Telling the Story, Learning the Word, Serving our Neighbor
“Inviting, welcoming, and supporting our congregation and community while learning God’s word and serving those around us.”
Our History
The origin of Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Old Zionsville, PA began as part of the Lutheran congregation founded at Dillingersville, PA in 1734. Here, the industrious and God-fearing forefathers established an institution for worship and the training of their children. The Dillingersville congregation, which consisted of Lutheran, Reformed (now UCC), and Mennonite, had a difficult existence. It also had as its pastors some of the great men of American Lutheranism, among them the patriarch Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg. Eventually, some members of the Dillingersville congregation became dissatisfied and withdrew to form a new congregation in what is now considered Old Zionsville. At a beautiful elevation on King’s Highway, the road leading from Macungie to Philadelphia, a one-acre plot of land was donated by Peter Hittel on May 20, 1757 to build a church. A log church was built and a cemetery was established in November of 1758. This is Zion’s official beginning.
The log church served the needs of the German-speaking immigrant congregation until 1819, at which time the Lutheran church united with some members of the neighboring Reformed Church to build a stone Union Church building. The union relationship with the Reformed Church was dissolved in 1871. The third, and present, brick building was built in 1876 with a steeple visible for many miles. The church was again entirely Lutheran.
During this time, services were all in German. English services were first introduced every fourth Sunday evening in 1895. The last German service was held on Harvest Home in August of 1945.
On September 16, 1956, The Rev. Luther J. Lynn became the first minister to serve only Zion’s. Up to this time, the previous pastors took care of up to four churches. Worship services were held every Sunday beginning with Rev. Lynn.
As the congregation grew, additional space was needed. Two additions were built to accommodate these needs. On April 21, 1963, ground was broken for a Christian Education addition, and renovations to the existing Sunday School facilities were begun. During this time, some classes were held Sunday mornings at the parsonage in both the house and garage. The cornerstone was laid on September 29, 1963 and the addition was dedicated on April 12, 1964. In 1999, a second addition was built. This air-conditioned ell provided an all-purpose room on the second floor used for meetings, worship services in the summer, viewings, and other gatherings. The first level contains offices and a library. The basement is used for the Zionsville Area Food Pantry and storage. An elevator to each floor and a handicap restroom on each level made the church handicap accessible for the first time.
A Memorial Garden was created in the area of the cemetery where the original log church was believed to have been. The garden was dedicated November 7, 2004 by the Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery. According to a 2008 cemetery pamphlet, this garden “with brick walkways and granite benches is a quiet respite for those who wish to sit or stroll among the perennial garden and seasonal floral designs.” Outdoor worship services are occasionally held at the garden in July and August.
Zion’s unites with the Upper Milford Mennonite and Old Zionsville United Church of Christ churches for community services several times each year. Since 1939, the three congregations have been worshiping together for Community Lenten Services. Also, each year since 1946, on the last Sunday in June, the three congregations participate in an annual pilgrimage at the Dillingersville Church to worship together and commemorate their beginnings.
Zion’s continues to be a congregation of giving. We are blessed to have an adult choir, children’s choir, handbell choir, and musicians willing to share their talents. In addition, Zion’s is host to the Zionsville Area Food Pantry. And once a month, the congregation provides a breakfast for the men at the Allentown Rescue Mission.
After nearly 260 years, Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Old Zionsville, PA, one of Lehigh County’s oldest congregations, keeps moving forward in its service to God. It is with prayers that the future will be even greater than her past, always serving, always pleasing God, and continuing to proclaim His Word to all people.