Significant Dates in Zion Church's History - A Timeline

1891

Rev. Joseph L. Schatz conducted the first worship service in Norwood City Hall.

1892

Zion's congregation was organized with 38 charter members.

1893

A two-story fram building was erected and dedicated at Sherman and Walter Avenues in downtown Norwood.

1894

Rev. C. Schaff D. D. became Pastor. A parsonage was built for $2,000.00. The young church was healthy and growing.

1896

Rev. Louis D. Benner became Pastor and helped reduce the church debt. The church continued to grow.

1904

Rev. Josiar Friedle began serving the church. By 1905, the church became self-supporting with a membership of 250.

1907

Rev. Victor J. Tingler became Pastor and growth continued.

1910

An auditorium addition was built. A new pipe organ was installed with Andrew Carnegie contributing one-half the purchase price.

1914

George C. Zinn assumed the pastorate and growth continued.

1917

We had our 25th Anniversary.

1922

Passtor Calvin M. Zenk began serving the church. Remodeling and improvements to the church property were made.

1926

The congregation left the Sherman Avenue property and relocated to Sherwood Lane.

1927

Rev. Louis Benner returned to Zion. A modern parsonage was built at a cost of $16,000.

1931

Rev. Ben M. Herbster assumed the pastorate and a struggling congregation took on new courage and zeal.

1932

We had our 40th Anniversary. A "Co-operative" group was formed to assist unemployed members during the depression.

1934

The Evangelical and Reformed denomination formed the Trustee Fund.

1935

The stone sanctuary was dedicated. The first Lawn Fete was held.

1937

Zionews was started and was mailed to every member's home.

1939

The children's chapel was built.

1942

We had our 50th Anniversary. A flame from the boilers of Deaconess Hospital was brought to Zion so that candles could be lit with that flame.

1944

We were able to burn our mortgage.

1948

Membership began rapid expansion.

1949

We added a second Sunday morning worship service due to our growth.

1950

A second choir was organized.

1952

A ten-room educational building was dedicated.

1955

Womens Guild was organized under the Circle Plan.

1957

A union was made between the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches to form The United Church of Christ. Improvements were made to the parrish house.

1960

Zion's sanctuary was enlarged by the altar.

1961

Dr. Ben M. Herbster left Zion in Norwood to become the first President of the United Church of Christ.

1962

Rev. H. Daehler Hayes assumed the pastorate.

1967

We had the dedication of the new Church School extension.

1972

Rev. J. Linwood Kennedy became Pastor and served for five years.

1975

Dr. Ben M. Herbster was named Pastor Emeritus.

1978

Rev. George M. Hurter assume the pastorate.

1979

We held a service for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Herbster's Ordination.

1991

Zion hired Rev. Howard Storm as student Pastor.

1992

Rev. Howard Storm was ordained.

2000

Rev. Lisa Wolfe became Zion's first woman Associate Pastor.

2002

We celebrated our 110th year anniversary!