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Original School & Church Building (1887-1938)
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New School (1938-1972)
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History of Zion Congregation and School
Zion Lutheran School was organized in 1887 before the congregation had been formed. Since the parents of this vicinity were of the opinion that their children would be more apt to attend a Lutheran School here than traveling the distance to Bethlehem Lutheran School, Zion Lutheran School was organized.
Seeing that there was a sufficient number of Missouri Synod Lutherans interested in organizing a congregation, serious consideration and deliberation was given to this splendid and thoughtful venture. On April 16, 1893, Zion congregation formed and held worship services in the school building until August 6, 1922 when the new Zion Church building was dedicated. The school was now used exclusively for school classes. In 1931, the Ladies Aid started a fund for a new school.
The new school was dedicated on September 8, 1938. Electricity was installed in the school, church, and parsonage in 1941. The ministers served as teachers of the school through 1955. The school was closed for a year during a pastoral vacancy but reopened in 1956 with Gladys Heiser as teacher while Pastor Rozak taught the religion classes. In 1972 Zion school closed and the children began attending nearby Bethlehem Lutheran School. In 1987 Bethlehem Lutheran School closed and students from both Bethlehem and Zion began attending Altamont Lutheran Interparish School. Zion became a corporate member of ALIS in 1989.
Zion Lutheran School was organized in 1887 before the congregation had been formed. Since the parents of this vicinity were of the opinion that their children would be more apt to attend a Lutheran School here than traveling the distance to Bethlehem Lutheran School, Zion Lutheran School was organized.
Seeing that there was a sufficient number of Missouri Synod Lutherans interested in organizing a congregation, serious consideration and deliberation was given to this splendid and thoughtful venture. On April 16, 1893, Zion congregation formed and held worship services in the school building until August 6, 1922 when the new Zion Church building was dedicated. The school was now used exclusively for school classes. In 1931, the Ladies Aid started a fund for a new school.
The new school was dedicated on September 8, 1938. Electricity was installed in the school, church, and parsonage in 1941. The ministers served as teachers of the school through 1955. The school was closed for a year during a pastoral vacancy but reopened in 1956 with Gladys Heiser as teacher while Pastor Rozak taught the religion classes. In 1972 Zion school closed and the children began attending nearby Bethlehem Lutheran School. In 1987 Bethlehem Lutheran School closed and students from both Bethlehem and Zion began attending Altamont Lutheran Interparish School. Zion became a corporate member of ALIS in 1989.
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Church building (1922 - present day)
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Church Renovation/Rededication In January 1967, Marvin Suckow, George Suckow and Victor Alwardt were named to serve on the church renovation committee. Upon completion of this project, the church was rededicated on February 26, 1967. Window Restoration In October 2015 it was decided to have the windows of the church restored to their original beauty. Suckow Construction of Altamont oversaw the project and the windows were re-installed on April 25, 2016. The Suckow Construction crew consisted of Zion members Brad Suckow, Steve Suckow and Cole Stuemke. Volunteer help was also received from David Suckow. |
German Heritage
Zion Lutheran Church was organized by area settlers who were mainly German settlers or descendants of German immigrants. They settled in the area south of what is now Altamont, Illinois.
For 27 years after Zion's inception, German was the only language spoken in the congregation. In 1920, under the leadership of Pastor Karl Krotke, one English service per month was introduced. In 1953 it was decided to have English services every Sunday and on holidays and German services on every second and fourth Sundays of the month. In the late 1960's German services were discontinued altogether.
The original altar, pulpit, baptismal font, hymn boards and pews still adorn the sanctuary today. The craftsmanship of these worship articles were traditional for the German Lutheran churches of the era.
Zion Lutheran Church was organized by area settlers who were mainly German settlers or descendants of German immigrants. They settled in the area south of what is now Altamont, Illinois.
For 27 years after Zion's inception, German was the only language spoken in the congregation. In 1920, under the leadership of Pastor Karl Krotke, one English service per month was introduced. In 1953 it was decided to have English services every Sunday and on holidays and German services on every second and fourth Sundays of the month. In the late 1960's German services were discontinued altogether.
The original altar, pulpit, baptismal font, hymn boards and pews still adorn the sanctuary today. The craftsmanship of these worship articles were traditional for the German Lutheran churches of the era.
Original Interior of the 1922 Church Building
Ministers who have served Zion throughout the years include:
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Rev. Karl Mende
Rev. H. W. Endeward Rev. R. Herrmann Rev. Alexander Wagner Rev. Karl Krotke Rev. R. F. Kloehn Rev. K. C. Weinrich Rev. John Rozak Rev. Vern W. Ellis Rev. Roland Feickert Rev. Michael Kloepping Rev. Clayton Vail Rev. Marcus Manley |
1893 - 1901
1901 - 1910 1911 - 1917 1917 - 1920 1920 - 1930 1931 - 1944 1945 - 1955 1956 - 1975 1977 - 1998 1999 - 2003 2005 - 2014 2015 - 2017 2017 - present |
Zion's First Pastor
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Zion Today
Several faithful descendants of the founding members of Zion still actively worship together today.
Zion members host an annual Chili Supper in the fall and a Hog Roast in the spring. The first hog roast was held in 1984, proceeds from the event are shared with the Lutheran Care Center in Altamont.
Zion's Ladies Aid Society is active in the church by hosting family nights throughout the year as well as serving in the community through charity.
125th Anniversary - "Christ Is Our Cornerstone"
Zion celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2018.
The first celebration service was held on April 15 at 2:00 P.M. Rev. Gaylord Spilker, son of Zion congregation, was guest speaker. A cake and punch reception was held following the service.
A second celebration was held on July 8 at 11:00 AM . Rev. David Bueltmann, former CID president, was the guest speaker. A Veteran Recognition and Confirmation Reunion Ceremony also took place in the afternoon. The Zion school was opened and historical memorabilia was displayed.
Since 1893, the Lord our God has blessed us with the proclamation of God's Word in all its truth and purity. May the Lord continue to abide among us with His Blessings! May the pure Word of God be proclaimed in a new era unto the salvation of many souls.
We commit our dear church and all that is ours into our heavenly Father's keeping. As we go forward with the banner of Christ and His saving Word, let our prayer ever be:
Lord, lead us as Thou pleases; but bless us and grant that we may be a blessing to others. Deal with us as it pleases Thee, for Thy will is good, and Thou doest all things well. Advance us on the way through trials and amid joys, over obstacles or surrounded by opportunities, in faith and patience, to eternal glory.
Zion celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2018.
The first celebration service was held on April 15 at 2:00 P.M. Rev. Gaylord Spilker, son of Zion congregation, was guest speaker. A cake and punch reception was held following the service.
A second celebration was held on July 8 at 11:00 AM . Rev. David Bueltmann, former CID president, was the guest speaker. A Veteran Recognition and Confirmation Reunion Ceremony also took place in the afternoon. The Zion school was opened and historical memorabilia was displayed.
Since 1893, the Lord our God has blessed us with the proclamation of God's Word in all its truth and purity. May the Lord continue to abide among us with His Blessings! May the pure Word of God be proclaimed in a new era unto the salvation of many souls.
We commit our dear church and all that is ours into our heavenly Father's keeping. As we go forward with the banner of Christ and His saving Word, let our prayer ever be:
Lord, lead us as Thou pleases; but bless us and grant that we may be a blessing to others. Deal with us as it pleases Thee, for Thy will is good, and Thou doest all things well. Advance us on the way through trials and amid joys, over obstacles or surrounded by opportunities, in faith and patience, to eternal glory.
"Abide, O dearest Jesus, Among us with Thy Word,
And Thus now and hereafter True peace and joy afford." AMEN!
And Thus now and hereafter True peace and joy afford." AMEN!