 
Zion has a fascinating history dating back to the 1740's and many people ask us about it. The first question most folks want to know is how the name was chosen?
Many references to Zion can be found in the Bible, and Zion Lutheran Church has influenced many people and congregations throughout this area. Zion has had close historic ties with several churches in the area including Bethel, St. Peter’s, Pilgrim, Emmanuel, Mt. Hermon, Providence, St. Michael’s, St. Andrews, Bethlehem, Mt. Hebron Methodist and Mt. Zion AME.
Zion is proud of connections to other churches. Members from Zion have become members at other churches and denominations, and in turn, other churches have contributed members to Zion. Although its ministry has been widespread, Zion’s specific origin is unknown.
Golden Age Sunday at Zion
circa 1960
There are some indications that a body of worship may have existed here as early as 1740 or as late as 1750. There was no regular pastor, so the Lutherans in the area had to depend on itinerant pastors for their spiritual guidance. It is believed the original immigrants into this area known as Saxe Gotha were from Germany and Switzerland. Many of these settlers came through England on their way to America and were given grants of land in the New World. This settlement was to serve as a buffer for the wealthier British subjects in Charles Towne.
Some of our ancestors had to indenture themselves for a period of years to earn money to pay for passage on overcrowded and unhealthy ships. Life was no easier once the settlers arrived and received their land grant. Indian raids and the Revolutionary War took their toll. One recorded incident illustrates the creativity and courage of these folk. A group of Tories tried to enter Dreher’s Fort, a nearby refuge for a few men who were home from the war and women seeking protection. The people upstairs in one of the buildings made so much noise by rattling chains and banging pots that the soldiers – believing they were outnumbered – retreated. Though the settlers were busy with survival needs, it is known that attempts were made to establish a place for worship. It is understandable how these settlers had no time to record church history, therefore, the early records are not complete, and the date of the actual establishment for Zion has been set for 1745.
In 1788 a group of fifteen Lutheran and Reformed churches assembled at Zion to establish what is known as the Corpus Evangelicum to establish some guidelines for membership, ordination, etc. This is the first type of synodical gathering in the history of South Carolina.
Worship continued during the time of the Civil War with records of communion and baptisms noted in the church record books. There is no direct mention of the war in the written records of the church. Oral tradition reports that Sherman’s armies entered the church building, destroyed the organ and parts of the building, and then used the wood as firewood. Whatever happened, however, did not destroy the church body.
The earliest documented building for Zion was a log cabin, located on the Saluda River. The congregation served members on both sides of the river. Some would bring their own boast across the river to worship and others would come by ferry. Children who had arrived at church early would go across with the ferry to ride with their friends from the other side. Members from this side of the river either walked, rode horses or carriages to church. Sometimes they would hide their muddy shoes under a log so they would be presentable or church. The custom at that time was for the male and female members of the church to sit on separate sides. The children would sit with their mothers. Stories have been told of members going into the church by boat to rescue hymnals and other items when the river flooded into the church building.
In 1922, the congregation moved its house of worship to the present location where the church prospered until a tragic fire destroyed the building on February 4, 1944. Because the Second World War was being fought, money and building supplies were scarce. Members of the congregation donated timber from their own lands to the church. To satisfy government regulations at the time, the building had to be rebuilt using the foundation from the burned church. Today the different layers of brick can be noticed on the side of the building.
Golden Agers Gather In The Family Life Center
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Zion is richly blessed to have a large group of senior members. Each year Zion celebrates and honors these members of the congregation withGolden Age Sunday. Following worship, the Golden Agers gather in the Family Life Center for lunch and socializing. The photo above shows the proud 2006 honorees.
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The members of Zion have continued to react and respond to their community. Buildings have been remodeled, programs have been added, and members have come and gone. The foundations of church membership laid so many years ago have visually changed, but the commitment to God’s purposes continues today. Though Zion has been through many changes in her rich and colorful past, the love of God has remained constant. God’s abiding presence has guided this group of believers through many triumphs and tragedies.
Zion celebrated its 250th year in 1995. It looks forward in faith toward new challenges and opportunities!
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