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Len Bengtson, chair of the Building Committee, leads the processional into the 10:15 service on the first Sunday in the new facility. He is followed by Carmen Blair, Anne Folkerds, Ruth Cornell, Pastor Ed Blair, Pastor John Folkerds, and the Senior Choir singing Lift High the Cross.

Zion Lutheran Church began as two congregations of immigrants in the farm areas near Buffalo. Carlslund was founded in 1866 to the south and Marysville was founded in 1873 to the west. By 1900, Carlslund had located in town and both churches were served by the same pastor. In 1945 a new name, Zion, was chosen.

In 1983, a long range study determined that despite additions and remodeling of the church building in town, Zion still needed more space. In 1984 a building committee was formed and in 1985 the congregation voted to relocate to the present 15-acre site overlooking Lake Mary.

The first Sunday of worship in the current building was November 12, 1989. Worship on November 15, 2009 will include some music and worship elements from that first Sunday in the building.

Highlights from the first Sunday at the “new” church was celebrated on Sunday, November 12, 1989.

Co-Pastor, John Folkerds led the Litany of Celebration:

Pastor: Dear Friends, let us rejoice in the holy use of this new house of God. To the glory of God the father, who has called us by grace; to the honor of his Son, who loved us and gave himself for us; to the praise of the Holy Spirit, who illumines and sanctifies us,
Congregation: we rejoice in this house!
Pastor: For the worship of God in prayer and praise, for the preaching of the everlasting gospel, for the celebration of the holy sacraments,
Congregation: we rejoice in this house!
Pastor: For the comfort of all who mourn, for strength to those who are tempted, for the light to those who seek the way,
Congregation: we rejoice in this house!
Pastor: For the hallowing of family life, for teaching and guiding the young, for the discipling of the saints,
Congregation: we rejoice in this house!
Pastor: For the conversion of sinners, for the promotion of righteousness, for the extension of the kingdom of Cod,
Congregation: we rejoice in this house!
Pastor: In the unity of the faith, in the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood, in love and good will to all,
Congregation: we rejoice in this house!
Pastor: In gratitude for the labors of all who love and serve this church, in loving remembrance of those who have finished their course, in the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Congregation: we rejoice in this house!

The congregation prayed in unison: We now, the people of this church, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, grateful for our heritage, aware of the sacrifices of our mothers and fathers in the faith, and confessing that apart from us their work cannot be made complete, do commit ourselves anew to the worship and service of Almighty God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Co-Pastor Edward Blair gave the sermon: “Work and Worship”

The first cement was poured for the foundation of Zion’s current building on February 6, 1989. During construction, the church office was in a mobile home, and worship services were held in the Junior High (now Discovery) auditorium.

A member wrote for the February 27 update on the “Building to Serve” capital campaign:

“The new church can provide many conveniences that our old church could not. Our church won¡¯t make visitors stand through their first service with us, instead it will have enough empty seats waiting to be filled with visitors who may eventually become permanent members of our congregation. Our future church will be equipped with new handicap facilities. These modern facilities will make our church easy access for those who need it. By building this church we are investing in our future: our Sunday school classes, choirs and youth groups will all provide our destined church leaders with enough room to grow.”