After Pastor Fischer had been called to another position, Pastor Baeder of Schuyler took charge of the little flock of Christians. He was responsible for bringing a missionary, C.H. Sommer, who became the first pastor.
The organizational meeting was held in the Leigh Public School on September 23, 1894, at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Sommer in charge. The constitution was adopted and signed by 9 members; namely, Fred Rabeler sr., Carl Staab, John Reins, H.T. Petersen, E.O. Kaul, August Freidrich, Gerd Asche, H. Marth, and Charles Seefus. The first officers elected were Pastor Sommer, Chairman; Carl Staab, Secretary; Fred Rabeler, Treasurer; Gerd Asche, August Friedrich and H.T. Petersen, Trustees.
The new congregation was determined to become self supporting as soon as possible. Already at the first meeting a house of worship 20' x 30' x 12' was projected. Not of the least concern to these hearty pioneer founders was the spiritual welfare of their children for it was also resolved at this first meeting that the new building should house the parochial school, an institution which has been uninterruptedly maintained until the present (1944) in spite of most trying times especially in the recent depression of the 1930's. The early pastors devoted part time to teaching until a full time teacher was secured.
In 1896 the first parsonage was erected, the structure completed at that time being the north and west part of the present building. Up to this time the congregation had been renting quarters for the pastor and his family. Because the pastor and his wife often boarded students attending confirmation instruction who could not remain at home, the southern section of the house was added in 1900.
Shortly after the organization of the congregation an acre of ground adjoining the public cemetery was purchased for a congregational burial ground. Additional ground was purchased in later years. Until January, 1935, the sale of lots and handling of cemetery affairs was left to the congregation treasurer but at that time a cemetery treasurer was given charge of all cemetery funds and labor and is responsible to the board of elders.
On April 21, 1895, Pastor Sommer opened the first Sunday School which continued to function until he was called away in 1897.
Pastor M. Winter succeeded Pastor Sommer in 1897 and remained until 1905. It was during this time, April 10, 1902, that the Ladies Aid was organized at the parsonage with 16 members present. The first officers were: Mrs. Fred Rabeler sr., President; Miss Elsie Harder, Secretary; Mrs. Hy. Bruhn, Treasurer. During its first year of existence the society set up a building fund and gathered $300 for the new church. Since its beginning, the Ladies Aid has contributed much for the support of the church at home and at large. For many years they alone were responsible for serving meals at mission festivals. Until April, 1944, meetings were conducted in German. At that time all business was transferred to the English language and the constitution was translated.
By 1906 the little congregation felt the need of a new house of worship and during that year the present structure was erected. On April 20, 1907, it was joyfully dedicated to the service of the Lord. Pastor Lutz, who was installed in 1905, was serving the congregation at this time. Many of the furnishings have been donated: the beautiful stained glass windows were presented as gifts or memorials by various members; the altar and statue of Jesus were presented by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rabeler sr.; the reed organ by Carl Mullenhoff sr.; the pulpit, original carbon lights, number board, and carpets by the Ladies Aid; the baptismal font by Mr. and Mrs. Gerd Asche; and the lectern was presented a few years ago by Miss Emma Homes. The original building was retained for a few years as a school house.
Succeeding Pastor Lutz in 1911 was Rev. H. Erck. Through his efforts the first full time teacher of the school was secured. A call extended to teacher Block in 1912 was accepted but due to illness he was forced to resign without serving, but was replaced by Student Chris Raedker. The first resident teacher was Mr. Arthur F. Rewinke. An important advancement was made, when on the first Sunday of September, 1915, the present modern brick school building was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies.
The congregation, upon nearing the twenty-fifth anniversary of its founding, made arrangements to observe the event with proper festivities on September 21, 1919. The church was redecorated, electric light fixtures installed, and as a climax, a two manual Wangerin-Weickhardt pipe organ was purchased at a cost of $3,000.
Pastor Erck with the aid of Mr. Rewinkel organized the Young People's Society. On September 9, 1921, the group was affiliated with the International Walther League. Since its beginning the society has assisted with the work of the church at home and abroad but its principal concern and accomplishment has been the social, cultural, and educational program it has sponsored, designed especially to keep the young people with the church.
According to records, double language services were first conducted by Pastor Erck. Under various arrangements English supplemented the regular German services twice a month.
On January 10, 1922, the Zion Lutheran Sewing Circle was organized at the home of Mrs. R.H. Olson for the purpose of carrying on church and charitable work. Mrs. Fred Rabeler jr. was the first president, Mrs. A.F. Rewinkel, vice president, Miss Carrie Olson, secretary, and Mrs. J.H. Moeller, treasurer. Twelve charter members signed the constitution. Like the other societies of the congregation, the Sewing Circle has been very active in the service of the church. In 1923 they erected a dining room at the fair grounds and served meals at the county fairs. Since 1931 it has been open to all the ladies of the congregation. A few of the accomplishments of the Circle include repairs on the parsonage, altar and pulpit hangings in the church, a kitchen in the school basement, and large sums of money in donations to missions and charitable institutions of the church. For a number of years the society has had a fund set aside for the construction of a church basement.
On May 18, 1924, the pastorage passed to Rev. J.C. Kaiser who was to guide the congregation through a most critical period of depression and crop failures. After Mr. Rewinkel accepted a call to Denver in 1925, Student Erich Jahn and Miss Claretta Folken taught school for the term of 1925-1926. Mr. Oscar Wilk, the next permanent teacher served from 1926 to 1929 and was succeeded by Mr. Theodore Killmorgen who remained until 1937.
Throughout his 18 years here, Pastor Kaiser conducted two complete services every Sunday--English and German. This indicates an increased demand for and adjustment to the English language. Another step was taken toward more English when in January, 1934, it was resolved to henceforth record the minutes in English.
While Pastor Kaiser served the congregation he published a monthly bulletin entitled "Parish Briefs." Volume I appeared in mimeographed form in 1927, but the remaining issues until his departure were printed.
Another Sunday School was opened in 1926 and flourished until 1932. For 10 years Sunday School was not held, but on April 5, 1942, it was again reopened and continues to function at the present time.
In November, 1937, Teacher Kollmorgen was released to accept a call to Green Garden. Due to the hard times prevailing, the congregation felt unable to support another permanent teacher so supply teachers were employed for a few years. Luther Martin Doctor, who finished the unexpired term of 1937-1938, was succeeded by Alfred Freitag in 1938-1939, Keith Bartholomew in 1939-1940, Reuben Kamprath, 1940-1941, Arthur Bueter, 1941-1942, and Lawrence Dittmar, 1942-1943. The latter was permanently called in January, 1943.
On July 3, 1943, Pastor Kaiser was granted a release to serve as a Chaplain in the United States Army, and on August 16, 1942, the present pastor, Rev. E.C. Werner, was installed. At that time the German services were arranged according to the present schedule--once a month on the third Sunday of the month.
During her whole existence and especially in the critical days of war, Zion Lutheran has always shown her loyalty to the country which has given her the priceless freedom of worship. On March 8, 1942, the beautiful silk national and Christian emblems were dedicated in token of devotion to Christ and country. On this anniversary day we shall prayerfully remember the 26 boys who cannot be with us because of their services in the armed forces. In this number are included two chaplains, former Pastor Kaiser and John F. Daniels. Tribute must also be paid to former teacher Keith Bartholomew who has paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of his country. We remember these boys in special intercessions each Sunday and by special collections for the Army-Navy Commission. The Walther League sponsors special collections, sends them materials periodically and has put up both an honor roll and a service flag in esteem of their services. Thus far God has preserved all our boys and we humbly pray He will bring them all safely back to us in the very near future.
Besides serving the spiritual needs of the home congregation, Zion Lutheran has been vitally interested in the work of missions and the charitable institutions maintained by the church at large. Annually, mission festivals are held on the third Sunday of June. Large sums of money have been given by the various societies, in memorials, and personal contributions. From the congregation have come one pastor, J.F. Daniels, and three teachers, Herbert Franzen, Louis Reins, and Harold Franzen, all of whom are serving our church. LaVerne Franzen is at present preparing for the work of a teacher at the college in Seward.
In anticipation of the Golden Anniversary, the congregation has made a number of improvements including the redecoration of the interiors of both church and school, new altar and pulpit hangings in the church, an organ bench curtain, and the organ repaired and tuned.