Who We Are.

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, founded in 1891, is an alternative Lutheran expression in Tigerton, Wisconsin.  Zion is a congregation which recognizes and values the gifts of every member regardless of race or ethnic background, whether male or female, young or old.  We are open and inclusive because we believe than in Christ we have a unity as Christians.  We value our independence as a congregation and yet we are an interdependent part of the larger church.

What We Are Here For.

Because of our God-given identity and gifts we resolve to encourage and support one another in our witnessing to the gospel of Jesus Christ and serving others.  We are committed to sharing with others what we ourselves have been given.

Chronological History.

1891 - May - German Ev. Zion Congregation organized with 12 families. September - The little white church was dedicated.
1899-1902 - The building was enlarged, a steeple and bell added.
1903 - Ladies Aid was organized with 23 members. They purchased the first organ with chicken dinner money.
1907-1914 - While Rev Franz Sack was here, an altar was built, benches replaced chairs and the walls were plastered.
1914 - The congregation was free of debt. Pastor Sack collapsed and died the day of the mortgage burning. Young People’s Society organized with 15 members.
1916 - Silver Jubilee observed.
1924 - First confirmation class confirmed in English.
1927 - A new parsonage was built for $7,500 (sold in 1943 for $3,000).
1929 - The envelope system was introduced.
1938-1950 - Rev. Gerhard Nass served Zion and Bethlehem of Pella.
1941 - For the Golden Anniversary, the crucifix on the altar and an aisle floor mat were given.
1945 - Church foundation repaired, rewired, and wainscoting put in front of balcony and pulpit.
1950 - Church dues were raised from $12 to $20.
1951 - First stained glass windows installed.
1955 - Women 21 and over could now vote on business but still not doctrine. Discontinued German services.
1956 - Present church property purchased (32 acres for $4,500).
1961 - Became a 2 point parish with lmmanuel. Property plotted and lots sold for the new subdivision called “Zion Addition”. There was a joint council meeting to
discuss a 3 point with Peace in Spilt Rock.
1963 - Ground breaking for new church with dedication, September 20, 1964.
1964 - Church auction. Old church sold for $700 in 1966.
1966 - New organ and sound system.
1968 - First woman elected on council was Lois Green. She served as secretary.
1970 - Present parsonage built for $18,000. Garage built in 1972.
1975 - Karen Breitenfeldt painted murals in fellowship hail.
1976-Stained glass windows installed in sanctuary.
1977 - Mortgage burned. Cost of the church was approximately $100,000.
1978-1981 - Purchased green hymnals & ceiling fans. Chrismons for Christmas tree were made.
1986 - First woman Vice President, Kathy Low, assisted pastor with communion.
1988 - ALC became part of ELCA;pews were padded, lapel microphones were donated.
1989 - A stained glass window was installed in choir loft.
1991 - Church centennial with monthly celebrations. Ground source heat pump installed.
Centennial gifts included red carpeting in sanctuary, rocking chair in cry room, microwave in kitchen, hand chimes and new banners and paraments were made.
1992 - First donkey walk; new carpeting in fellowship hall, oil candles on altar and joint Thanksgiving services with St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
1993 - Candles for Advent Wreath were converted to oil.
1994 - Jan Thompson elected as first woman president. Started video taping services and aired on WCW TV 4. Church was incorporated according to new constitution. Received portable microphone; started printing our own bulletins.
1995 - New sidewalk eliminated water problem and made church handicap accessible; new usher table and halogen bulbs put in lights.
1996 - Started using undated envelopes for collection. With One Voice hymnals added.
1997 - Started clearing wild area behind rocks to make more park like area.
1998 - Computer purchased for church office. Trees cut in front of church to accommodate road change in 1999, a new sidewalk was added.
1999 - Voted in desperation to become part of the 7 point parish known as The United Lutheran Parish. (TULP).
2000 - Started Second Harvest. New trees planted behind rocks. Zion goes on line. E-mail address is zitiger@frontiernet.net
2001 - New kitchen floor in kitchen.