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The History of Zion United Church of Christ
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”
This was the sermon theme of Pastor Henry Noehren for the first worship service held in November, 1883. And a little flock it was – just eight persons – who met in the home of Mr. Gustave Kromm to organize Zion Church.
The Evangelical Synod of North America was desirous of exploring the possibility of organizing a second Evangelical Church in Milwaukee. Since the first Evangelical Church was already established as Friedens Church at 13th and Juneau Streets on the city’s north side, the Synod was desirous of organizing another parish on the south side. But there were misgivings about undertaking this venture, due to the strength of the Lutheran Church in this area.
Pastor Noehren determined he should begin his work by reaching out to the unchurched of the area. He had no desire to organize an opposition church. He had no peculiar gospel to present, nor did he wish to create the impression his church was better than any other church. His purpose was to win the religiously indifferent.
Organized as a German-speaking congregation, the name German Evangelical Zion Church was adopted. A congregational meeting was held in December of 1883; a constitution was adopted and a slate of officers was elected. Shortly thereafter, land was purchased at 1424 West Greenfield Avenue, and construction began on the first house of worship, and was dedicated one year later in February of 1884. Prior to its completion, worship services were held in homes. Zion Church became a member of the Evangelical synod of North America in 1885, and received Home Mission support until 1886.
Through the industrious work of Pastor Noehre, the members of the congregation grew quickly. Folks had come from the homeland to settle on the south side, where they found work and homes. As a result the existing church facilities became too small. It was agreed to build a bigger and more adequate house of worship. On December 4, 1887, a new church building was completed at 1418 West Greenfield Avenue. The original facility at 1424 was then used as a parochial school for ten years.
After thirteen years of service, Pastor Noehren was succeeded by Pastor E. Schrader.
In 1901, St. Paul’s Church was organized as a mission parish at 24th and Merrill, having the support of Zion Church. The impact of the mission of Zion Church was felt in the organization of other mission parishes, such as Christ Church on Oklahoma Avenue, and Emanuel UCC in Hales Corners. In 1906, Pastor Schrader left with a number of parishioners and established the Evangelical Lutheran Church still located at 26th and Rogers streets.
During the ensuing years – from 1906 to the present – Zion Church has been served by fifteen full-time pastors. However, a significant change in the life of Zion Church came about as a result of the merger of the Evangelical Synod of North America and the Reformed Church in the United States on June 28, 1934, when it became part of the Evangelical and Reformed Church. Because both denominations had a common historical background of German and Swiss heritage, it was a natural thing for the two denominations to unite and become the Evangelical and Reformed Church.
In the following years, fraught with the expense of repairs, renovations, redecorating, installation of electricity, and so on, church membership increased and debt-free parish was celebrated with a mortgage-burning service on November 10, 1946.
On October 1, 1949, Rev. Raymond Ley was called to be pastor of Zion Church, serving the congregation for twenty-five years. A period of expansion occurred about this time, despite the members’ move to outlying areas of Milwaukee. With this movement of its people, it was deemed wise to establish a planning committee to study the possibility of beginning another church on the southwest side of the city of Milwaukee. As a result of the research, land was purchased in February of 1954 at 76th and Ohio, the present location of our church.
Another denominational merger on June 25, 1957, resulted in another name change for Zion Church. Involved in the merger were the Congregational Christian Church and the Evangelical and Reformed Church. The heritages of the two denominations were diametrically opposite and disaster was predicted, but obviously, the denomination is still alive and doing well. Zion’s new name became Zion Untied Church of Christ.
After the purchase of land, plans for a new church building were soon developed, and financing became a reality, followed by ground-breaking on April 13, 1958. The cornerstone was laid on July 20, 1958, at this time the altar was also dedicated. It is noteworthy to mention here the sanctuary was actually constructed around the altar. The five-ton stone was put in position first, and then the walls were erected around it. With such a tent-like structure of concrete, there is an interesting parallel to the ancient Jewish custom of building the altar first, then erecting the tabernacle tent around it. This sanctuary is not only unique in architectural appearance, but it is also rich in spiritual significance. Regretfully, space does not permit for more detailed explanation, but to continue the story, it is also noteworthy to mention the original sanctuary structure with lounge, basement, and facilities was completed and dedicated at a cost of $190,000.
Strengthening of Zion Church occurred in 1960, when St. Paul’s Church dissolved and reunited with Zion Church. Adequate pastoral leadership to “one church in two locations” was provided by a number of Associate Pastors and seminary students. This program spread outy over a period from 1960 – 1977.
Through these years, the parish was very active in community service. The Greenfield Avenue parish hall was used for a daily Headstart program serving about 45 children. In cooperation with the Milwaukee Christian Center, recreation and craft programs – such as the Girl’s Club and Summer Caravan – were sponsored. Zion Church was instrumental in establishing Journey House, which offers tutoring, counseling, and classes for area residents, youth activities, and summer day camps.
The South 76th Street location became the center for many Girl and Boy Scout meetings and related events, as well as Women Aglow meetings. It also became the location of a YWCA sponsored preschool children’s program. Since January 1, 1983, we have been licensed to operator our own preschool nursery for children ages three to five. Also since April 19, 1983 we have been serving retarded adults through a daily respite program in conjunction with Kindcare, Inc. We still serve Boy Scout and Girl Scout activities. In addition, since 1979, this has been a location for counseling, under the direction of Pastoral Counseling Services.
For more than fifty years, Zion Church has been served by the Women’s Guild and Christian Service. These groups of very dedicated women have been active not only in carrying out the work of the church, but they have also supported Christian Service in supplying donations of handmade items to Sojourner Truth House, Southern Colony, and Cedar Lake Home. Further outreach includes providing a month meal at De Paul Meal Site through the Samaritan Works program.
For many years, a group of men and women, senior citizens who call themselves The Pillars, have been meeting at Zion. Members come from the community in general and are not required to belong to our church to join. Their function is purely social, although Pastor Schowalter provided a few moments of devotion as part of the monthly programs.
Upon the resignation of Rev. Raymond Ley, in 1974, Reverend Daniel Schowalter, was called to serve the parish. He began his ministry in February of 1975.
In 1977, due to increased concern as to how the church might most effectively fulfill its ministry at two locations, it was decided to consolidate the parish at one location on South 76th Street. The original site on Greenfield Avenue continues its ministry and its know as New Home UCC.
Of special joy was the mortgage-burning service in September of 1980, when the parish again became debt-free. It is worthy to note through the years our parish has always met and exceeded its mission goals.
In 1983, Zion Church celebrated 100 years of ministry and service, having had a heritage in which it has been richly blessed.
From 1986 to 1990, Reverend Mark Schowalter served as Assistant Pastor, in the areas of Christian Education and Youth Ministry.