HISTORY

Zion Lutheran Church was organized at the turn of the 20th century here in Kerrville with its first worship services held in  the home of Mr. Robert Saenger, Sr. in 1898.   Zion was officially established in 1901 with seven charter families by the Rev. Karl Ermisch.  The first Constitution, written in German, set forth our gospel rich heritage of the Christian faith.  During these early years, services were only held occasionally as pastors also served in the surrounding communities.  The first church building was built between 1912 and 1918, at a total cost of $2,500 (including furnishings) and on lots purchased for $300.  A local businessman, Charles Schreiner, donated the church bell which is still rung at the beginning of each worship service.   Church growth continued as a parish house was erected in 1927.  The first parsonage, in 1928, paved the way for Zion's first full time resident pastor in 1929.

In 1950 a new sanctuary was built with a seating capacity of just under 200.   In 1959 a new and larger parsonage was purchased, making room for the 1961 addition of an educational wing, complete with fellowship hall and kitchen.  At that time the existing sanctuary was remodeled and Tennessee Crab Orchard ledge stone was added to both structures.  In 1967 a 16 rank custom built Reuter pipe organ was built and dedicated.   In 1987 the second educational wing was built and on October 17, 1999 a ground breaking service was held for our current 400-seat capacity sanctuary. One year after the groundbreaking, all was complete and the congregation proudly paraded from the previous sanctuary to the new house of worship.

Zion Lutheran Church has always had strong ties to its community.  These ties led to the first Christian Kindergarten, taught by Ruth Hein Cooper in 1952.  Although this first attempt failed, the Zion Lutheran Children's Center was established in 1962 and continues to be a strong Christian education and care provider for children 6 weeks to pre-Kindergarten age.  Some of Zion's members saw a need for affordable Christian counseling, which led to the establishment of the New Hope Counseling Center.  This ministry is housed in two of Zion's buildings and is supported by Zion and other churches within the community.  

Through its rich gospel heritage, Zion Lutheran has been instrumental in the birthing process of Grace Lutheran Church in Bandera and St. Peter's Lutheran in Marble falls.  For the past several years Zion members have actively contributed to the ministries of three Lutheran churches in the Eagle Pass/Mexico border region, providing funding, clothing, food and Vacation Bible School workers.  Members of the congregation continue to support monetarily and with their time and talents, the ongoing ministry of Camp Chrysalis, located 8 miles outside of Kerrville and Camp Ebert, located approximately 30 miles from Kerrvlle.

We have a rich history for which we are most thankful.  By God's grace, we have been blessed to be a blessing for nearly a century.

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