CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: What’s Happening at Zion Lutheran Church – Pickrell? Pickrell, NE | Church Celebrates 150th Anniversary on July 20 and July 21, 2024 [#ZionLutheranChurchPickrell]
CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: What’s Happening at Zion Lutheran Church – Pickrell? Pickrell, NE | Church Celebrates 150th Anniversary on July 20 and July 21, 2024 [#ZionLutheranChurchPickrell]
https://www.facebook.com/ZionLutheranChurchPickrell/posts/446168598060236
Source: Zion Lutheran Church – Pickrell Facebook Account, @ZionLutheranChurchPickrell
It has been a great 150 years. Hope you can join us on July 20 and/or July 21.
Zion Lutheran Church in rural Pickrell will celebrate its 150th anniversary on July 20 and 21, with special events, visitors, and a service.
This is the 2nd of 3 unique events planned for 2024 to commemorate the milestone.
The focus of this commemoration will be on the years 1924-1974.
Tamme Zimmerman and his wife Trientje were the first to arrive from Hannover, Germany, in 1862.
The Homestead Act attracted additional Lutheran families to the area at the same time.
The Evangelical Lutheran Zion church was established in 1874 by 9 German immigrants who met in dugouts and sod homes.
They all came from towns in Ostfriesland, which was once part of Hannover as a kingdom or province.
The first church building was constructed in 1881 for $50.
The current church’s cornerstone was laid in 1916, and it was built for about $45,000 with no debt.
Since its construction, it has undergone remodeling and expansions.
The current 9-room parsonage, built in 1947, is located to the south of the church building.
The Parish Hall was dedicated in 1947.
From 1902-45, Pastor J.B. Reents was the pastor.
In a recent interview, committee member Marcella Rademacher stated that the pastor only wanted to speak High German.
“Even the superintendent of schools came to the church and told him the church shouldn’t be using only High German to teach the catechism classes and in the sermons. We were at war with Germany at the time.”
– Marcella Rademacher
Until 1946, High German was nearly entirely spoken in church during services.
However, with the change of pastors, both German and English languages were used in separate services.
The German services were ended in 1962.
6 ministers served the Zion church at the 50th anniversary celebration.
Denise Schlake-Ideus, a committee member, emphasized the importance of music in the church.
There were several choirs and a band.
The Hanover Band was formed in the 1890s, but disbanded and reformed in 1920.
“The band was in high demand and would play at church services, mission festivals, summer concerts and county fairs.”
– Denise Schlake-Ideus
The church registered its first school building in April 1886.
The New German School was built in 1921.
The building was remodeled in 1960, with restrooms and a furnace installed.
For several years, it used as a Sunday school classroom.
Zion’s German Schoolhouse Heritage Learning Center will be open for self-guided tours on July 21 as part of the celebrations.
John Fuller bought the land north of the chapel in 1871.
The Fullers were never members of Zion, yet they faced the same hardships as their Zion neighbors.
After a tornado destroyed the Fuller home, the German neighbors helped restore the farmland.
Mary Fuller, John’s daughter, remembered the compassion years later and gave a 10-acre tract to be utilized as a recreational park.
The land was given to the church in 1936.
On the evening of July 20, Laureen Riedesel will speak briefly on the Fuller family’s history and the park.
Many volunteers helped build recreational facilities such as a ballpark, concession stand, well, bathrooms, and shelter house.
Committee member Connie Thornburg stated that volunteers have always been vital to the church.
“I sometimes take volunteers for granted, but that is really how we survive. People are constantly giving to this church. They support the projects that maintain and improve the church.”
– Connie Thornburg
The July 20 festivities will begin around 6 PM CT at Fuller Park, directly north of the church.
In addition to sack races, disc golf, and homemade ice cream with fruit pie, a concession stand will be open.
A mini-softball marathon will be held at the park, with local churches and tourists from a German tour group taking part.
“The marathon is a Lutheran Brotherhood tradition was done at the end of every season that we are reviving. It was always a popular event.”
– Connie Thornburg
Fireworks will be shot off at dusk.
On July 21, a “show and shine” vehicle display will be held from 8:30 to 11 AM CT.
Vehicles from 1924 to 1974 will be displayed.
The German guests are from Ostfriesland, where the Zion founders originated.
Before arriving in Zion, the group will stop at Rock Creek Station near Jansen and Homestead National Historical Park.
The group will participate in the service on July 21 at 9 AM CT.
Guest pastor Ardon Dorn, a “son of the congregation,” will also be present for the worship services.
A full agenda is available on the Zion Lutheran-Pickrell Facebook page.
Marcella Rademacher, Connie Thornburg, Jenny Bohlmeyer, Janet Byars, Steve Oltman, Sandy Meints, Denise Schlake-Ideus, and Janet Harms serve on the 150th anniversary celebration committee.
The 3rd event, focused on 1975-2024, will take place in October.
NEWS SOURCE & LINKS:
The Beatrice Daily Sun
What’s Happening at Zion Lutheran Church-Pickrell? CHURCH CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY JULY 20 & 21 | Christian Breaking News!