1888 (Humble Beginnings...) Return to Top of Page 
Over one hundred years ago, when the history of Zion Lutheran Church began, much of Maumee Township and surrounding area was still covered with virgin forest and swamp land. 

Among the early settlers were Lutheran immigrants from Germany, of whom Otto Knoblauch was the first, according to available records. Later, several families from the Friedheim Congregation in Adams County joined these early pioneers. 

The nearest Lutheran Church at the time was St. Paul, Gar Creek, but because of the primitive road conditions, which were almost impassable at times, these people of Lutheran stock found it difficult to attend services regularly. As a result, a desire awakened in the hearts of these Christians to have a church of their own. Henry Woebbeking, Sr., who with his family had moved here from Adams County, invited fellow Lutherans to his house or to a nearby public school, where he then conducted "Reading Services." At the same time, the group earnestly petitioned the Reverend A. Schupmann of Gar Creek to serve them occasionally on Sunday afternoons with the message of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments. 

Under the guidance and leadership of the Reverend Schupmann, Zion Congregation was organized on March 25, 1888, at the home of Henry Lagemann and incorporated the following year. A constitution was adopted and signed by the following men as charter members: Henry Woebbeking, Sr., Henry Lagemann, Peter Vonderau, William Grabemeyer, Otto Knoblauch, William Deister, Henry Feusse, August Brenneke, Henry Brenneke, Henry Koch, Henry Grothaus, Henry Busche, and Fredinand Ruehmann. The first elected officers were: Elders, Henry Woebbeking and Henry Lagemann; Deacon, William Grabemeyer; Trustees, Henry Woebbeking, Henry Lagemann, and Peter Vonderau. The Rev. A. Schupmann was requested to serve the congregation every three to four weeks and to perform such official acts as were necessary. 

Soon after the organization of Zion Congregation, a five acre tract of land on the banks of the Maumee River at Bull Rapids was purchased from Mr. Andrew Little. A portion on the eastern end of this tract was set aside for a cemetery. During the first summer the members cut down trees in the woods of Petere Vonderau, trimmed the logs to size, smoothed them with a broadax, and erected a log building on their property, which served them as both church and school. 

We certainly must admire the zeal, courage, and determination of these charter members. The entire building and its furnishings, with the exception of the doors, window-panes, and stove, were the product of the members' own hands. The pews had book rests in back and thus served as school benches during the week. The church was dedicated in the late summer of 1888 by the Rev. A. Schupmann and served the congregation as a house of worship for 14 years. 

The first year F. W. Daberkow, a student of theology from the Springfield Seminary, was engaged to preach and to teach school from September to the following April. His nominal salary included room and board. Each family obligated itself to receive hem into the home for one month. He is reported to have been very strict but a good teacher. 

In the early days the congregation possessed no organ and so Mr. Henry Keller, who had joined the congregation soon after its organization, was elected to serve as song leader. Later the congregation purchased a reed organ to enrich the services and Jacob Vonderau served as organist. 

1890-1900 (Growth and a School...) Return to Top of Page 
In 1889 the congregation called the Rev. F. H. Eickhoff of South Dakota as its first resident pastor, and he was installed November 3. Since the congregation owned no parsonage and no other dwelling was available, the pastor and his family found it necessary to make their home in a hotel at Woodburn. From here he faithfully served the congregation in church and school under great difficulties. In the spring of the year and during seasons of heavy rainfall the condition of the roads beggared all description. Herman E. Woebbeking, who was in the first class to be confirmed at Zion, reports the road often was so bad that when the pastor arrived at the Brenneke place, the wheels were so clogged with mud and the horse was so exhausted, that he unhitched the horse and placed it in Brenneke's barn, and then walked to the school the rest of the way. At noon the pastor would send some of the bigger boys to knock the mud out from between the spokes and then bring the horse and buggy to school. Under such conditions one often traveled faster on foot than with horses and wagon. Children on the way to school would walk along the fence row, where there was more grass, or even crawled along rail fences at the worst places. Those were the good old days, the older members liked to talk about! How much easier and more convenient we have it these days, but we take it for granted and do not realize what hardships these first members endured! 

During the spring and summer of 1893 the congregation erected a two-story parsonage. Again the members themselves supplied all the rough lumber out of their own forest and also contributed much manual labor. The outside carpenter labor is reputed to have cost only $225. The following year a nice barn was built to provide the necessary shelter for the pastor's horse. 

The first baptism recorded at Bull Rapids is that of Emma Grabemeyer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Grabemeyer. The first Confirmation Class, confirmed by the Rev. F. H. Eickhoff, consisted of four members, Otto Keller, Herman E. Woebbeking, Maria Deister, and Sophia Lagemann. The first couple to he married were Henry Grothaus and Mina Lagemann. The first burial recorded is that of Frieda Deister, age 14, in 1889. 

It is also of interest to note the high infant mortality during the early history of the congregation's existence. Of the first eleven deaths over a four-year period, nine were children. The three chief causes of death were typhoid fever, diphtheria, and whooping cough. 

In the spring of 1892 Pastor Eickhoff resigned and moved to Indianapolis. During the ensuing vacancy of one year and four months, the congregation had to resort again to "Reading Services" and the school was closed for the duration, whereas Pastor C. F. W. Meyer and later Pastor John Beyer of Gar Creek performed the official acts. After several pastors had declined the call extended to them, the congregation applied to Synod for a candidate. Candidate William Meinzen was assigned to the congregation and installed August 13, 1893. During his faithful pastorate the membership increased and it soon became evident that the original house of worship was too small and that a new church was needed.

1900-1910 (Existing Church Built...) Return to Top of Page 
However, before these hopes could be realized. the congregation received a momentary setback. In 1898 eight families in the Woodburn area requested their release and together with several Lutheran families from Ohio, who had settled southeast of Woodburn, organized Christ Lutheran Church. Also, Pastor Meinzen in August 1900 accepted a call to another parish, which delayed the building program. 

His successor, the Reverend William Heine, was installed November 1, 1900. Under his able leadership plans for a new church progressed and materialized. The building committee consisted of August Brenneke, Conrad Roemke, Henry Woebbeking, and John Korte, Sr. At that time the congregation listed only 37 voting members. But with great joy and enthusiasm and in the spirit of unity they resolved to give of their time and substance to erect a brick church with large stained-glass windows to the honor and glory of Cod. This they accomplished at a cost of a little more than $6000. This house of God was one of the finer rural churches in Indiana at that time, of which they could justly he proud. It has served the congregation well unto the present time. 

The following facts about the building of the church, as gleaned from the early minutes, may be of special interest to the members and friends of Zion today. In the spring of 1901, M. G. Stock of Fort Wayne was engaged as the architect. The members resolved to do the excavating and to haul all the sand, stones, bricks, and lumber themselves. The sand was dug out of the Maumee River. 84,000 bricks were purchased from John Conrad of Leo for $400. After the architect's plan was accepted, the first bids submitted were all rejected as being too high. The final bids accepted showed these figures: carpenter work by H. A. Grotholtman of Fort Wayne for $1615; masonry work by Ernst Breimeier of Fort Wayne for $1075; roof, gutter, and spouting by Welch and Son for $590; window-glass at 26 cents per square foot. The furnace was installed by Gerding and Aumann Brothers of Fort Wayne for $206. The pews were purchased from a Methodist Church on Berry Street, Fort Wayne, for about $275. The bell weighs about 1000 pounds. The original canvass of the congregation for pledges amounted to $3350. 

The actual building operations did not get under way until the early part of 1902. The cornerstone was laid with appropriate ceremonies on June 1, 1902. Among other things, a copy of the congregation's constitution, a list of the voting members, and a list of the souls as of that date were placed into the cornerstone. Work proceeded without interruption and the building was completed by late fall. Dedication of the new church took place on November 9, 1902, with three divine services. The festival speakers were the Pastors F. H. Eickhoff, Philip Wambsganss, and W. C. Meinzen. It was a beautiful day and, according to estimate, 1000 people attended the services; many coming from Fort Wayne and vicinity to rejoice with Zion Congregation over its new and attractive house of God. The ladies served dinner at the nominal price of 15 cents for adults and 10 cents for children and still made a profit of $40. 

The old log building was now used exclusively for school purposes. 

In August of 1905 Pastor William Heine accepted a call to another charge. He was succeeded by the Reverend William Georgi, who served the congregation for 19 years. 

1910-1920 (Formation of WLS...) Return to Top of Page 
Until this time all the pastors, in addition to their ministerial duties, had also taught school. Pastor Georgi likewise shouldered the teaching burden until 1918, when Zion united with Christ Church of Woodburn into one parish. As this increased the duties of the pastor accordingly, the congregation deemed it necessary to engage a full time teacher. The first one to serve in that capacity was Adolph Weber in 1918-20. He was succeeded the following year by Theodore Scheiwe, who taught for six years. 

In January of 1925 Pastor Georgi resigned as pastor of Zion in order to serve Christ Church exclusively. After his resignation the congregation remained vacant for one and one-half years. Great, therefore, was the rejoicing of the members, when the Reverend Herman Reinking, who had just shortly before returned as missionary to Brazil, South America, heeded their call and was installed August 1, 1926. Since Teacher Schweiwe had the same year accepted a position in another school, Pastor Reinklng was requested to assume also the task of teaching school. He taught full time for three years. 

1920-1930 (New School Added...) Return to Top of Page 
Early in 1928 the congregation resolved to replace the old log building with a new, modern brick-veneer school with full basement. Fred Rekeweg, Carl Netting, Car] J. Roerake, Fred Graeber, and Christian Schaper served as the building committee. The cornerstone of the new school was laid April 22, 1928, and it was ready for dedication on August 12 of the same year. Pastors W. Lichtsinn and Martin Kretzmann were the guest speakers. The cost of the school was approximately $10,000, much of the labor having been done by the members themselves. 

Since German and English services were now being conducted every Sunday, the congregation again resolved to engage a teacher and thus relieve the pastor of the teaching burden. Over the years the following men have taught at Zion: Student Walter Goetsch 1929-40; Student Bernard Dammeier 1930-32; Edgar Meyer 1932-33; Adolph Weber 1933-35; Arnold Stoppenhagen 1935-36; Adolph Weber 1936-41; Alvin Roth 1941-47; Adolph Weber 1948-54; and Pastor Christian Schmidt assisted Teacher Weber during his final year. 

1930-1950 (Expansion of the Church...) Return to Top of Page 
During the Second World War, 17 sons of the congregation served their country in the armed forces. Three gave their life in line of duty. The congregation erected a beautiful Memorial Stone to their memory near the entrance to the cemetery. The others the Lord graciously protected from all harm, so that they could return home safely. When peace was declared, the congregation held special Thanksgiving Services. 

In August of 1943 Pastor Reinking resigned and with his family moved to Fort Wayne. He was succeeded by Pastor Christian A. Schmidt, who was installed June 11, 1944. 

1950-1960 (WLS Consolidation...) Return to Top of Page 
Among the major projects of the congregation during his pastorate the following may well be listed. The interior of the church was redecorated in 1946 and again in 1958. During the fall of 1946 a new furnace was installed in the church. A new, modern, brick-veneer parsonage was erected in 1948, one of the finest parsonages in rural areas. During the fall and winter of 1952-53 an addition was built to the school, adding modern conveniences and a kitchen, and also connecting the school to the church and establishing a nursery. Most of this work was done by the members themselves. In 1957 the organ was rebuilt and the console moved to the east end of the balcony. In 1958 the south and west windows of the church were protected with storm-plating. In 1962 a fine and spacious garage was built near the parsonage. And in this anniversary year the chancel and vestry were remodeled and a new carpet laid in the chancel and the center and rear aisles of the church. Thus the congregation continually seeks to make improvements on its church property. 

In the spring of 1952 a special committee was appointed by Zion to confer with a similar committee of Christ Church and discuss the advisability of the consolidation of their respective schools and thereby improve the education of the children. Such consolidation was effected April 4, 1954, under the name The Lutheran School Association of Woodburn, Indiana, Inc. This united effort is resulting in a more thorough Christian education and training of the children. 

1960-Present (Looking to the Future...) Return to Top of Page 
While the school was being operated under a slight handicap, classes were conducted in three separate buildings, until a new school was constructed. This arrangement lasted until the early 1990s, when the old portion of the school that was originally a Quonset hut was torn down and replaced with a new gymnasium, cafeteria, offices, and additional classrooms.

The school on the church property was torn down in 1985 and replaced with a fellowship hall that has allowed members to meet for Sunday School, Bible Studies, dinners, and entertainment, such as Holiday Happenings.

Pastor Schmidt retired from Zion Congregation in 1973, and was buried in the church cemetery in June of 1990. Pastor Harvey Hendrickson followed him and served from June, 1973, until August, 1977. Pastor Gary Galen, our next pastor, served from October, 1978, until January, 1985. He was followed in April 1986 by Pastor David Triplett, who faithfully led us for thirteen blessed and wonderful years. Pastor Triplett accepted a call to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Middleport, New York, in January, 1999. As of July 1, 2001, our new shepherd is Pastor Joseph Adams, who graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Pastor Adams' home congregation is Hope Lutheran Church, Adrian, Michigan.

Likewise, the school has been served by many wonderful Teachers and Principals, the longest serving having been Gene Friedrich, Don Voelker, and Henry Rausch. Teachers have included Dave and Beth Hoeppner (now on mission in Hong Kong), Sandy Friedrich, Dianne Hormann, Liz Nolte Kamprath, Mary Meyer, Karen Jessie, Jan Huebner, Karen Arnold, Paula Nelson, Mary Smith, and Sherri Boozikee. The school is presently being served by our fantastice Principal, Mr. Dexter Hoyer, and Teachers Scott and Arlys Staub, Linda Schlie, Karen Hoeppner, Ruth Schroeder, and Emma Hockemeyer. The staff has been anchored for many years with the excellent assistance of Joan Woebbeking, Carol Roemke, and Charlotte Korte.

In the Name of the Lord... Return to Top of Page
Over the past century, God has certainly blessed the members and community of Zion Congregation. Through His guidance and protection, many people have come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. With the continued blessings of God, we hope to see the following numbers grow. Current statistics for Zion Lutheran Church since its inception include: 886 people baptized 772 people confirmed 284 couples married 255 funerals conducted (as of January 2005--current statistics will be posted later).