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Fiftieth Anniversary for Ashippun Church

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ashippun,

will celebrate their 50th Anniversary on September 8.

Dodge County Independent News, 09 05 1968

The Festival Service will be held at 10:15 a.m. on September 8. Pastor August Quandt of Oconomowoc will preach the anniversary sermon, after which a lunch will be served in the church basement.

A confirmation Reunion Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon, at which Pastor Alfred Wittmann of Immanuel, Lebanon, will be the speaker.

The history of Zion Lutheran Church is a story of people, pastors, buildings, organizations and change. It was the factor of synodical loyalty that sparked the beginning of the congregation. A group of people seeking to maintain loyalty to the Ohio Synod began meeting twice a month in the Carl Habeck home in 1911. Early in 1912 the congregation was incorporated and the constitution was adopted. The kitchen of a home located at the intersection of highways 67 and “O” became the place of worship for the congregation. An effort was made to have a dignified place to worship, so several members of the congregation made an altar, pulpit and pews for the meeting room.

The first members of the congregation were: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Liesener, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Schwartz, Mr. and Mrs. August Liesener, Mr. and Mrs. William Neitzel, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Gennerman, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Habeck.

During these infant years the congregation was served by Rev. William Lange. Pastor Lange was the pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lebanon, and also served St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Sugar Island. This arrangement for pastoral services continued until 1937 when Rev. Lange died. The ministry of Rev. Lange was vital to the beginning and continued life of the congregation. In 1917 work began on the present church building and with the completion of the building in 1918 the services of dedication were held.

From 1941 until his death in 1946 we shared Pastor George Beckmann with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Sugar Island. During these years an increased amount of activity was evident in the life of the congregation. In 1943 major improvements were made in the church building. Special services were held at the completion of building changes and also on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the church building.

One year after the completion of the improvements, on Oct. 22, 1944, fire severely damaged the church building. The north steeple of the church was burned from the basement to the roof, severe smoke damage to the interior of the church ruined the redecoration job, and the organ was destroyed. The congregation voted immediately to repair the damaged building. On March 11, 1945, a service was held to rededicate the repaired building.

Following the death of Rev. Beckmann in 1946 the congregation called its first full time pastor. Rev. Heidtke accepted the call and served the congregation for a brief period of time.

Rev. August Quandt served from 1949 to 1964 and Rev. Wayne Radke has served from 1964 to the present time. During these years two major improvements were made in the church facilities. In 1957 a small addition was added to the back of the church. This structure provided space for bathrooms and one general purpose room. In 1965 the congregation purchased a frame house located at the back of the church. This building was purchased and renovated in order to provide much needed classroom Sunday School space.

The story of the changes in facilities and pastors is history of the congregation. These changes are very difficult to evaluate, but are a definite part of the congregation’s struggle to carry on its ministry in a changing community. The following examples indicate some of the changes that have taken place.

Language: The Congregation was started by people of German nationality. This factor deeply influenced the development of the congregation. All the pastors until 1964 were able to speak German and German worship services were held until that time.

Constitution Changes: During the 50 yr. period of the congregation’s life 3 major revisions of the constitution have been made. This change has been necessary to give the needed flexibility for the church’s ministry.

Organizations: In order to meet the needs of people and to provide specific areas of service, two organizations were started and continue to function.

Zion Mission Aid was organized in 1950. Mrs. Herman Nass was the first president. The organization now meets each month for Bible Study, programs and to plan various projects.

The Luther League was organized in 1948 to serve the needs of the youth of the congregation. At present the Luther League is operated as part of an area youth with the young people of Cross and Sugar Island congregations.

Christian Education: The history of the congregation shows a definite interest in the Christian instruction of its young people. Under the direction of a Board of Education the congregation now seeks to promote an extensive program of Christian Education for all people of the congregation.