Around 1775, a multi-faith meeting house was built on the corner of Lemon and State streets to serve the German Reformed, Lutheran, and Mennonite settlers. In 1847, the growth of the German Reformed and German Lutheran congregations led to the construction of a building on the corner of Broad and Lemon streets, site of the present Zion Lutheran Church. The first building, used as a union church serving these two congregations, was dedicated on December 5, 1847. The Rev. Reuben S. Wagner conducted the services in German and English. The two doors at the front of the building reflected the custom of women and men entering the sanctuary through separate doors to worship. The altar was on the north side of the building. Ministers were supplied and shared through the East Petersburg Charge, which at various times included congregations in Millersville, Neffsville, Colebrook, and Manheim. The original building is the front half of the present sanctuary.

The Lutheran-Reformed Church continued as a union church, holding services on alternate Sundays until early 1890 when the Lutheran Congregation purchased the Reformed interest in the property. Following the purchase, remodeling included constructing the church tower, changing the entrance, placing the altar on the west side of the building, purchasing a janitor's house and building horse sheds. The current education building stands where the house and sheds were located. Electric lights were installed in 1912.

Growing in Christ
During the pastorate of Rev. Clay Edward Rice (1919-1955), the parish paper, Zion Herald, was first published. Also, the church basement was excavated, the Women's Missionary Society was formed, and the pipe organ was purchased and installed. In 1928, renovations were made to the Sunday school room and to the general interior, and a balcony was built in the sanctuary. Rededication took place in February 1929. Renovations were undertaken again in 1945 - 1947 in preparation for the 100th anniversary year celebration.

In January 1964, the Christian education wing was completed and dedicated. In 1982 the congregation remodeled the sanctuary and entrance areas, and in 1993, air conditioning was installed. Since 1990, the church has housed the East Petersburg Youth Center. In 1993, Zion was the Lancaster County coordination center for the mid-west flood relief effort. In 1972, Rev. Kent Krause began his pastorate and Zion experienced tremendous growth, both physically and spiritually. Zion continues to experience such growth under the leadership of Pastor John Smaligo. Zion's membership includes 250 confirmed members at the present time.

Eye to the Future
Zion members continue to be a viable part of the East Petersburg and global communities. Zion hosts several activities for community members, such as weekly Girl Scout meetings and aerobic classes. In addition, Zion members faithfully contribute to the Lancaster County Council of Churches Food Bank and the Columbia Clothing Bank. In December 2003, Zion began a Community Meal program. The meals are held every Monday for those in Lancaster County who are in need of having their bodies and spirits nourished.

The congregation has adopted a church in Tanzania, Africa as part of the Companions in Christ program sponsored by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This will be an educational and spiritually enriching partnership for us. Additional details about this ministry will be posted in the near future.

Zion's Quilters, a group comprised of 16 members of the congregation, has formed to make quilts to be donated to Lutheran World Relief. The group meets twice monthly at Luther Acres in Lititz.

Our mission statement declares " we are God's family of redeemed people, and we affirm that Zion's mission is to receive, understand and believe God's word through worship and study, to share the good news of God's love with each other and to reach out to the world in service, witness and benevolence." Through the 21st Century, Zion members will strive to reach out to those in need and spread the message of Christ's love and salvation.