Zion Lutheran Church celebrated its 175th anniversary Sunday.
The theme for the anniversary service was “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” from 1 Corinthians 3:11.
Edna Church, Nancy Schaefer, and Carolyn Myers check out a display of photos during Zion Lutheran Church’s 175th anniversary celebration. (Contributed photo)
Over 200 people were in attendance for the service with the Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan, Missouri District president, preaching at the service, Rev. Wes Gehrke leading the service, and Rev. Bryan Drebes assisting with the readings.
Following the service, there was a luncheon in the school basement that was catered by Hall’s Chuckwagon.
There were tables displaying historical articles, photos and items from Zion’s 175 years of history.
“It’s always great to reminisce and hear of stories from the past as Zion had several former pastors, teachers and members, who came back to celebrate with us,” said Rev. Gehrke. “Being in one place for 175 years, there’s a lot of history that comes with it: both the good and the bad.
“Zion has had its fair share of challenges throughout the years, and it’s often easy to focus on the negative.
“Coming together to celebrate this 175th anniversary has allowed Zion to focus on the good from its long history. Yet, Zion was founded with a specific mission: to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the community of Palmyra.
“And it has done so for 175 years and hopefully will continue to do so in many years to come.”
