Centennial History of  Zion Lutheran Church 

                Zion Lutheran Church of Mohall, North Dakota was established as the result of five families who settled as homesteaders just East of Mohall.  Traveling Pastors known as "circuit riders" came to conduct worship services during this time.  The first Lutheran church was established in 1902, and over the next few years four other Lutheran congregations sprang up in the area. In 1907 a building was constructed so the congregations could assemble together to worship and receive the "Means of Grace" where God gives us the "bread of life" in the presence of Jesus our Lord.  Eventually there was a formal merger of these four churches and the union adopted the name Zion Lutheran Church.

                The congregation began growing as the town did and there were many adult baptisms and confirmation classes going on at this time.  Many of the confirmation classes were conducted in Norwegian at this time but even in the early years of this church forming English was fast becoming the language of worship and instruction.

                As the church grew it became evident that the building being used was insufficient for the size of the congregation and in 1950 talk began to consider building a new place of worship.  In 1956 plans were drawn up and construction began on our present church building.  Members of this congregation provided thousands of hours of volunteer hours to help make this dream come true.  The new space provided the needed room for Worship and Sunday School classes, and the next 20 years saw growth in membership, a prosperous mission and a spiritual guidance that moved this congregation forward striving to do God's will.  In 1968 the need for a new parsonage was recognized and it was finished within a short time. The present site of Zion Lutheran is at 203 1st Ave NE and the parsonage is at 305 1st Ave NE, just a half block from the church.

                Zion's vision for mission during these one hundred years has been exciting and also beneficial to the needs of the other. There have been many projects and goals accomplished, far to many to list over the past 100 years but there are some that are worth mentioning here; the Life project was an ingathering of educational materials for mission, Zion was, is and shall be committed to help financially with the area Bible Camp called "Metigoshe Ministries" and is strong in the United Mission Appeal. The Bethel Bible Series provided approximately 100 people an opportunity to dive more fully into the bounty of grace provided in God's inspired word through scriptures. The Good Samaritan Home of Mohall has and will remain a major source for Zion's ministry through financial, volunteer means.

                As it's congregation aged, Zion understood the need for more handicapped accessibility for it's Senior Citizens. The steps up into the church and the church basement became a hindrance and so the next major project of Zion's existence came into being.  A 5000 square foot addition began in 1991 and finished in 1992, now provides a "fellowship room" a very modern kitchen, pastor and secretaries offices,  restrooms and a worship area called Hamerly Chapel,  (named after a wonderful former partner congregation in ministry) all  of which are handicapped accessible.

                Other visions for ministry saw The Search Bible Study begin in 1986 and it ran for 10 years.  Many members and Mohall community friends participated in this study that met in the Spring and the Fall which gave a greater flexibility to those who farmed or had other schedules to meet.  Zion now has a "Parish Nurse" program that was initiated in the late 90's and after many hours of education for our candidate, Zion installed it's first parish nurse in 2001. Our parish nurse program provides for visitation of members and supporting people in health care issues, the program provides for congregational educational series on health issues, it provides for monthly blood pressure checks and the program greatly assist the pastor in evaluating the needs of the congregation.  Zion is active in the Gifts program; "Growing In Faith To Serve." This program trains lay people in serving this congregation and others in the need of pulpit supply, visitation, and other areas. The members of this program meet twice monthly with the pastor at Zion who mentors them in study; the Bible, how to conduct a worship, pastoral care issues and many other areas of ministry.

                To date, Zion Lutheran has been served by 18 pastors over the past 100 years; Seventeen have been male and one female.  Zion has six "sons of the congregation" who are presently pastors and now supports a member who is in mission through the YWAM program. Her mission is taking place in Thailand, beginning in Dec. 2001. 

                Zion Lutheran Church in its Centennial Year stands as a living Christian organism in the mission of Jesus Christ, which has gleaned from the former and present and will glean from the future members of the congregation. Reflecting on our history and seeing God's ever presence and faithfulness gives this congregation hope for the future, as it continues to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Word and Sacrament.