Zion Lutheran Manchester

Zion’s History

In 1897 Casper Bellman, Joseph Hoffman, John Reidel, and Dr. George Wolfe felt the call of our Lord to discuss the possibility of establishing a Lutheran congregation in Manchester. Worship began in the Universalist Church, which stood next to the current Manchester Market. Dr. Wolfe served as pastor along with his duties as doctor and dentist.

On November 13, 1898, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church was dedicated. There were two services with each one having a sermon preached in English and in German, Pastor Wolfe preached on the appropriate text of Leviticus 26: 3,11,12. The building was a 50 x 36-foot structure with a 78-foot-high steeple costing the sum of $1300.

In 1932 St. Stephen Lutheran Church (Busse) disbanded. The church was located on Esther Ridge Road at the site of the oldest section of the Busse cemetery. About half the members came here uniting with Zion and the other half united with St. John, Sunman (Hubbles).

In1942, the Ladies Aid presented a new altar, pulpit, and lectern. In 1948, the Luther League with the help of Rev. W. G. Hoffman solicited donations from the members and a Hammond organ was purchased with chimes.

In1951, a major remodeling job was done, and full basement was dug, to provide classrooms, kitchen, and restroom facilities. The old steeple was removed, and a new vestibule and bell tower was erected at the front of the building.

In1980 -81, a sound system was installed, new choir robes purchased, and the church was insulated.

In 1986, a bathroom was remodeled providing much needed storage space and new facilities. The basement was fully repainted and varnished and new carpet installed.

In 1988 we remodeled the sanctuary, the pews were padded, and refinished, new carpet was laid, and the walls painted at a cost of approximately $10,000.

Over the years we have continued improvements to the building and surrounding grounds. The new brick work around the bulletin board was accomplished in1990. New landscaping and electrical work were done that same year. Zion celebrated our 95^th Anniversary and dedicated a new garage and church office in 1993. The parking lot was paved in 1994.

Here Zion has served as part of the body of Christ for 100 + years. Its members have grown, been nurtured, and challenged by the preaching of the gospel and the administering of the sacraments by its pastors: