About Zion

This is the history of our church congregation and the various houses of worship used by the membership. A story of growth, challenges, and above all, God's love.

In 1847, itinerant minister Rev. Frederich Lochner began ministering to the German-speaking Lutheran families of Staunton in their homes. By 1850 the newly organized congregation used a frame house that served as both a church and parsonage. January 1851, Rev. John Reizner was installed as the first resident pastor. Members constructed a new frame church in 1854 to house the growing congregation. On March 2, 1856, the congregation joined the Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States.

Education became a part of our congregation's history as far back as 1858 when church records reveal Pastor Reincke conducted school classes several times a week in his study. In 1859, school classes began meeting in the church. The local pastor continued to teach until 1865 when C.Haas became the first resident teacher. The first school building was located next to what is now the church on Elm Street. Sometime during the 1870's a second school building was built.

As time passed, the size of the congregation continued to expand. Therefore in 1863, during Pastor R. Vogt's ministry, members built a larger church located on the sight of the present building. During Pastor Gotthold Kuehn's ministry (1890-1904), the congregation realized that once again the house of worship had grown too small. Members decided to build another house of worship.

On August 14, 1904, the cornerstone of our present church was laid. Rev. A. Almstedt of Granite City and Rev. John Andria of Braunschweig Church delivered the cornerstone dedication addresses.

Construction was completed in a little over a year. Builders took time out in 1905 to have their picture taken with their nearly-completed project. Dedication ceremonies took place on March 12, 1905. Rev. M. Daib of Troy, Illinois, delivered a morning address, and Rev. Frederick Brand of Springfield, Illinois, delivered an evening address.

The new church, surrounded by a picket fence sat firmly on a foundation of Grafton rock. The remainder of the building was constructed of pressed brick. Its main steeple towered to a height of 127 feet. Contained within the bell tower were three bells, one from the old church and two new ones. The church had a seating capacity of 400 and cost $20,000.00 to build. At the time of the dedication, the congregation had 500 communicant members. It supported one pastor and two teachers who instructed 147 children. It also provided homes for the pastor and two teachers.

In 1905 the interior of the new church featured ornate fixtures, lights outlining the chancel, and the pulpit on the south side of the altar, resting on a tall pedestal. The Ladies Aid purchased the church pews, the altar and the pulpit, the statue of Christ, altar covers, and carpeting around the altar. The stained glass window of the Good Shepherd was donated by school children when the church was built.

Organ music has always been an important part of Zion. The original handpumped organ was replaced in 1908 by a more modern instrument. Various repairs and improvements to that organ have been made throughout the ensuing years. In 1948, chimes were installed in memory of World War II service men and women. In 1996, a new hand-crafted console was installed and the organ was again rebuilt.

Construction was completed in a little over a year. Builders took time out in 1905 to have their picture taken with their nearly-completed project. Dedication ceremonies took place on March 12, 1905. Rev. M. Daib of Troy, Illinois, delivered a morning address, and Rev. Frederick Brand of Springfield, Illinois, delivered an evening address.

The new church, surrounded by a picket fence sat firmly on a foundation of Grafton rock. The remainder of the building was constructed of pressed brick. Its main steeple towered to a height of 127 feet. Contained within the bell tower were three bells, one from the old church and two new ones. The church had a seating capacity of 400 and cost $20,000.00 to build.

At the time of the dedication, the congregation had 500 communicant members. It supported one pastor and two teachers who instructed 147 children. It also provided homes for the pastor and two teachers.

In 1905 the interior of the new church featured ornate fixtures, lights outlining the chancel, and the pulpit on the south side of the altar, resting on a tall pedestal. The Ladies Aid purchased the church pews, the altar and the pulpit, the statue of Christ, altar covers, and carpeting around the altar. The stained glass window of the Good Shepherd was donated by school children when the church was built.

Organ music has always been an important part of Zion. The original handpumped organ was replaced in 1908 by a more modern instrument. Various repairs and improvements to that organ have been made throughout the ensuing years. In 1948, chimes were installed in memory of World War II service men and women. In 1996, a new hand-crafted console was installed and the organ was again rebuilt.