History of Zion Lutheran Church,
Sister Bay

1878-1879
A group of early settlers of Swedish descent with the desire to establish a place of worship met on July 13, 1878 at the District No. 2 schoolhouse in Liberty Grove. The Rev. C. O. Olander, who was visiting in the area at the time, acted as chairman of this meeting with Sven Hilander serving as secretary. It was resolved at this meeting to follow the constitution of the Augustana Synod and to be known as the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church. A constitution for the congregation was prepared by Rev. Olander and he instructed the group as to incorporating with the Augustana Synod. This resolution was undersigned by the following: John Nelson, Gustaf Nelson, Charles Nelson, Sven Hilander and family, S. Soderberg and family, August Soderberg, Andrew Peterson and family, C. A. Svard, Axel Appel, F. Hajman, J. Holumstrum and family, C. Hulteri, John Olson and J. Nelson.

A church was built in 1879 on one-half acre of land deeded to the Swedish Lutheran congregation by Mr. and Mrs. P. W. Carlson.

The first trustees on record were: A. Peterson, C. A. Svard, J. Nelson and S. Soderberg. Charter members of the church included Gustave Carlson, August Carlson, Charlie Beckstrom, John Beckstrom, Pete Carlson, Martin Lovedahl, Sven Hilander, Louis Peterson, Abraham Carlson, Charlie Bergwin, John Boquist, Ida Mickelson, Gust Nelson, Jonas Nelson, Abraham Malmgren, John Nelson, Charles Nelson, C. A. Svard, Axel Appel, F. Hajman, J. Hol C. Hulteri, John Olson, S. Soderberg, August Soderberg and Andrew Peterson.

1883
On August 14, 1883, Gustaf Theodore Olson was the first to be baptized in the new church. The sponsors were Pete Carlson and his wife.

The first communion plate and cup were purchased.

1884
New pews were purchased for the church.

At a meeting October 26, 1884, a Sunday school was organized. The first Sunday school superintendent elected was Charles Bergwin with Aaron Bergstrom and John Olson as teachers. Sunday school was held in the schoolhouse every Sunday at 2 p.m. The books Bible History and The Catechism, were used for instruction which was in Swedish. The Ladies Aid sponsored an annual Fourth of July picnic on Pete Carlson’s lawn for the Sunday School children. Several members brought ice cream freezers, and the ice cream was made at the picnic grounds with the men taking their turn at churning.

1885
Stalls were built to house the horses of the pastors and congregation members. During this period of time, the congregation voted that a collection be taken every Sunday.

1888
The Rev. J. Olson presided as chairman of a congregational meeting on June 23. It was resolved that the congregation - known as the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sister Bay, Wisconsin, founded July 13, 1878 ­­­- be reorganized and legally incorporated according to state law, and that the meeting be the reorganization meeting.

1890
A mission meeting of the Green Bay Circuit was held in Sister Bay August 20-22, 1890. On August 22, 1890, Zion Lutheran Church was officially dedicated.

An additional one and three-quarter acres of land was purchased from the Carlsons.

1898
The church building was reshingled and a new chimney was built. Church records for the year show a collection of $74, with expenses totaling $74.08.

Zion Lutheran Church circa 1900

1908-1911
Members voted to construct a bell tower and add a room on the east end of the church. The project was funded in part by a two-day bazaar sponsored by the Ladies Aid, the first of its kind in the community.

Zion with the new bell tower.

1917-1935
For a number of years Zion did not hold regular Sunday services because membership was small and it was difficult to get a pastor. During this period of time, most members attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin.

1935
With the population of Sister Bay increasing, the church reopened. The Rev. W. H. Hoffman conducted the services. When he resigned as pastor, services were again discontinued.

1938
Through the determination and faith of a congregation, Zion again became an active church.

1953
As one of Door County’s oldest congregations, Zion celebrated its 75th anniversary on Sunday, July 12. One of the honored guests at this occasion was the Rev. A. T. Juvland, who had been ordained at the church in 1900 and served as its pastor from 1900 until 1911.

1957
New Sunday school rooms and a parish hall were dedicated.

1960
The Rev. Richard Heins was installed as the Pastor on July 5.

1961
With the merger of three Lutheran Church bodies, Zion Lutheran church - having approximately 161 baptized members - became a part of the American Lutheran church on January 1.

Zion in the 1980s

Zion's sanctuary

Pastors that served Zion Lutheran Church

1878-1879		J. J. Groenfeldt
1881		J. A. Homan
1882-1883		J. Olson
1884-1890		C. O. Olander
1891-1893		J. T. Olander
1893-1894		H. F. Hartluis
1894-1896		G. Jullen
1896-1900		A. Kinell
1900		Gudmond Kluxdahl
1900-1911		A. T. Juvland
1911-1916		A. Fjelsgaard
1916-1917		A. Mason
1935		W. H. Hoffman
1936		D. G. Ristad
1938-1939		G. Gustafson
1939		C. Carlson
1939-1942		E. P. Paulson
1942-1945		E. T. Anderson
1945-1950		O. R. Carsten Smeby
1950-1956		R. A. Olson
1956		R. E. Osnes

Vacancies were filled by visiting and neighboring pastors at various intervals.

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