HISTORY

Mt. Zion's beginnings-

In 1892, many local families had to travel a long way to worship at surrounding Lutheran churches in Conover, Newton, and Hickory. Many traveled on foot, buggy, or wagon to other churches.

As a result, several local families met to discuss having worship services in their own community. They contacted Rev. J.H. Rexrode, who was serving nearby churches, and he agreed to serve if a suitable meeting place could be found.

The old Charity School house, which was located in the northwest corner of the current Ned Sipe property, was secured, and Rev. Rexrode held services there for interested families. Some say they were held once a month, and some were held outdoors under the trees when weather permitted.

Soon a building committee was elected, consisting of William Dellinger, Freeman Huffman, William (Billy) Killian, and Titus Sipe (chairman). Plans were submitted and accepted. Pastor Rexrode officiated at the cornerstone laying. It was a 30' x 50' frame structure. Members cut logs and hauled them to the sawmill. After ten months of toil, they had a place of worship, constructed chiefly with their own hands. It had a good location (where the bus garage is now) and a very churchly appearance.

The church was dedicated on June 3, 1894, by Rev. Rexrode, assisted by Rev. C.D. Beach and Rev. W.E. Tressel of Hickory Seminary. The following thirteen families made up the charter membership:

William Dellinger, Lee Hefner, William E. (Billy) Killan, Jerome Simmons, Jacob Sipe, John Sipe, Will Sipe, George Hefner, Freeman Huffman, Emmanuel Shook, Elkanah Sipe, Eli Kaylor, and Titus Sipe.

Undoubtedly there were others, including women and children, but in 1893 women's suffrage in the church was unheard of, and only the husband signed the constitution for himself and his spouse.

The group chose the name Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and sought synodical membership in the old joint Synod of Ohio and Tennessee.

Some members of the first confirmation class were Cordie and Alice Dellinger, Ida Killian, Vance Sipe, Tom Sipe, and Hattie Shook. 

Archives Room

The Archives Room located in the church administration building contains the history of Mt. Zion. The room is open for all to use. You can access the room during the office hours Monday - Thursday.

We are continuing to record and preserve the ongoing ministry of Mt. Zion. If you would like to add something to the archives, you may leave photos, tributes, or documents in the box in the narthex or in the door holder at the Archives Room.