Zion United Church of Christ

Historical Highlights

"At the time of the Reformation the Protestant movement in Europe, during the early decades of the sixteenth century, was divided into two main streams. One was led by Luther; the other was led by Zwingli and Calvin. The first is known as Lutheranism and the latter as Reformed. Each of these systems created its own set of doctrines and practice. In Prussia, in 1817, these two streams were united and the 'Evangelical Union' was formed" (Stuber, Stanley I., How We Got Our Denominations, p. 174)
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In January of 1867, forty German immigrant families living in the section of Cleveland, then known as University Heights (now Tremont), met with Rev. P. Stemple, pastor of West Side Church, in Schneeberger's Hall to found a United German Evangelical Protestant Church. Many of the families had been attending Rev. Stemple's church, but with the great walking distance and increasing German population in this area, they decided to start a church of their own. In the spring of the same year, a corner lot on College Avenue and Tremont Street was purchased for $400 so a permanent church building could be constructed. The cornerstone was laid on May 12, 1867, marking the date we have come to regard as Zion's birthday.

October 6, 1867, was a day for double celebration as ⁰¹Rev. A. Bauer became the church's first minister and began his ministry with a service to dedicate the new building. Rev. Bauer remained with the church until August 1868, when he was succeeded by ⁰²Rev. G. Bochert. By this time the congregation had grown large enough to warrant forming a parochial school taught by the pastor.

⁰³Rev. 0. W. Schettler became pastor in 1872. It was a year of expansion for the church. The congregation purchased the track of land on the corner of Branch Avenue and Jennings Road (West 14th Street) from Sarah and Francis Branch. The church was moved from College Avenue to the new site in July. At the same time it was renovated and enlarged. At that time the church was a frame building capable of seating 600 people. Lighting was provided by oil lamps fastened to the sidewalls with brackets. It had a small hand pump organ in the balcony at the rear of the church. Mr. E. A. Seidle was the first organist and was paid $25 for six months service. In September 1872, Mr. Hahn was hired as schoolteacher and organist for $50 per month. In the same year the Ladies Aid Society was founded. In November 1873, a small church was purchased and moved to the site of our church, where it was remodeled as a schoolhouse with three whitewashed rooms and a kitchen. A well in the back yard supplied water. Mr. C. Koop joined the teaching force. The school was then divided into a junior and senior department.

In 1874 our church joined the German Evangelical Synod of North America. In 1927, the word, German, was dropped from the Synod title. At that time the name of the church was changed to Zion Evangelical Protestant Church. The following year Rev. Schettler found it impossible to continue as pastor due to illness and ⁰⁴ Rev. A. Klein replaced him. During this time a men's organization called the Krankenverein (Sick Insurance Society) was formed. Church regulations were revised and accepted at a congregational meeting on May 1, 1881. In addition the Church Regulations included a section on "School Laws," for the teaching of children over the age of six.

A systematic course of instruction was given in Religion-Catechism, Bible Stories; Reading - German and English; Writing-German and English, Arithmetic, Geography, Natural History, Drawing and Singing. School hours were from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. five days a week. Vacations were from December 23 to January 2, from Maundy Thursday to the Tuesday after Easter, and from July 1 to August 1. Examinations were held four weeks before Easter. Tuition was $12.50 a quarter, payable in advance. Each student was to appear in school neat, clean, on time, and obey the teacher. The teacher could give punishment for disobedience, laziness and dishonesty. In addition to instructing in the school the teacher had to play the organ at all divine services on Sunday and weekdays, direct and keep order in the choir, and take part regularly in the Sunday School.
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In 1883 Rev. Klein became ill and ⁰⁵Rev. T. Leonhardt, then a student at the Synod School, came to assist him. On September 3, 1883, Rev Leonhardt was elected pastor. In 1884, the Zion Young Ladies Sick Benefit Association was organized. This was open to all young women over 16. In case of illness a $3 benefit was paid. Later the sick benefit was eliminated and the name changed to Zion's Daughters.

The congregation continued to grow under Rev. Leonhardt's leadership and the need for a new and larger building became evident. On April 25, 1884, the congregation passed a resolution to build a new structure on the site of the schoolhouse. Cost was not to exceed $25,000. In accordance with architect Mitermueller's plans a brick and stone building 130 feet long by 65 feet wide with a 175 feet height at its steeple capable of seating 1500 people was built. On June 28, 1884, ground was broken. The cornerstone was laid on July 20, 1884, and on February 1, 1885, the new church was dedicated. Rev. Schettler, former pastor, preached the dedication sermon, and Dr. Sturtevant of Pilgrim Church assisted in one of the services.

In 1890 the West Side of Cleveland was rapidly expanding and some members were moving out of the community. Cleveland's transit system of horse drawn cars was restricted to a few cars on the main thoroughfares only. Members living at a distance found it difficult to attend church. To assist them in obtaining a site and erecting a house of worship nearer to their homes, Zion donated $1,500. This church is the present Bethany United Church of Christ on the corner of West 41st Street and Storer Avenue. About 1894 the Young People's Society was organized with assistance from Zion's Daughters.

In 1897 a new parsonage was built at a cost of $3,500, having twelve rooms, a basement, and a garret. At that time Zion's membership was over 1,000, the Sunday School almost 1,000, the Ladies Aid 323, the Young People's League 247. The Confirmation Class numbered 152 and had to be divided into two sections for instruction. Zion also had a Men's Choir and a Mixed Choir. In 1906 a new schoolhouse was built at a cost of $20,000. The old structure that had served as the church prior to 1885 was sold and remodeled into a private residence at 3014 Wade Avenue. At the same time the church organ was electrified. Five years later electric lights were installed in the church. Rev. Leonhardt obtained a leave of absence of June 1913, to visit his former home in Germany. He was expected to return in 1914, but died February 7, 1914, and was laid to rest in his hometown of Hohenstaufen, bringing to a close a pastorate of thirty years. Memorial services were held on March 1, 1914 at Zion. ⁰⁶ Rev. T. Thomas was Rev. Leonhardt's successor. During his pastorate the Duplex envelope system was introduced. Prior to then only those paying dues quarterly and listed in "The Book" were considered voting members of the church.

⁰⁷ Rev. Benjamin Wulfman, who was selected as pastor in November 1916, introduced the transition from the use of German to English with an occasional English service in 1916. By 1919 one service a month was in English. In 1916 the Seventh Annual Evangelical League and the first Fourteen hundred delegates attended. At this time Zion's Daughters joined the Evangelical League of Cleveland and began giving annual plays. The fiftieth anniversary was celebrated with festivities from May 13 - May 16, 1917. At this time the last indebtedness of the church was paid. The year 1917 was the year individual communion cups were used. Prior to this a large silver cup was passed from hand to hand at Communion. The school maintained by the church was discontinued and the teacher at that time, Mr. Grauer, became a church worker.
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In 1920 the Deaconess Hospital of this city had been opened. To increase its efficiency and facilities a new building was erected in 1927. In the campaign to raise the necessary funds, the people of our church contributed $19,000. They were equally generous in 1925 when they pledged $25,000 to help cancel the indebtedness of our denomination. Rev. Wulfman passed away suddenly on November 5, 1921. After funeral services at Zion six members of the Church Council accompanied the body to Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where they were pallbearers.

In the next six months Zion was served by supply pastors, Rev. Michels and Rev. Thiersch. Renovation of the church was started at this time and completed in 1922. During this time a well-meaning custodian destroyed the books containing the records of baptisms, confirmations classes, weddings, and funerals prior to January, 1888 because "they were full and of no further use." An English Bible was purchased for use in church.

⁰⁸ Rev. 0. E. Wittlinger answered the church's call in September 1922. He decreed on October 6, that wheels of fortune or other gambling devices were banned from Bazaars and the church premises. On December 3, 1922, Rev. Wittlinger was installed and a renovation service held. In 1923 German and English services were held every Sunday by Rev. Wittlinger. The Third National Convention of Evangelical Women's Union was held in our church July 14 - 17, 1925 over 1,100 women attended. For many years Zion had a large women's organization known as the Frauenverein. The meetings were conducted in German. The Frauenverein did much for Zion Church and also remembered the benevolent institutions of the Evangelical Synod. However, the need for an English speaking organization devoting itself solely to Christian work seemed necessary. To fulfill this need the Dorcas Society was organized in March 1927.

One of the most important events in our history was the union of the Reformed Church in the United States and the Evangelical Synod of North America. On June 26 - 27, 1934 delegates of the two denominations met in Zion Church and concluded negotiations of the merger. In the evening of June 26, before an audience of two thousand people the merger was consummated.

The south and west migration of our members by 1941 brought up the question of the relocation of Zion Church. Results of balloting, however, indicated 94% of the members were against this relocation. During the same year the pastor started greeting members at the rear door as they left. Christmas Eve service was held at 10:30 p.m. for the first time in 1945. In remembrance of the star of Bethlehem it was a candlelight program with the singing of traditional Christmas songs. This replaced a 7 a.m. service on Christmas Day. During World War II, Zion had fifty-four members serving our country. A Service Committee kept in contact with all. On March 14, 1946, a supper was held to honor our service people and their spouses. Although casualties were many, only one member of Zion Church, Harland W. Tobin, was "killed in action" in France.

At a Sunday School teachers' meeting in the 1940's it was suggested all organizations of Zion join in planning a picnic for our congregation with two members of each organization forming the committee. Sunday, August 4, 1946, at Lakewood Park an 11 a.m. worship service was held with games and recreation in the afternoon. This is the first official record of a Zion Family Picnic at Lakewood Park, which continues to the present. On September 28, 1947, Rev. Wittlinger celebrated twenty-five years of service at Zion. To honor him on this occasion the members of the church by means of a special offering presented him with a 1947 Pontiac car and a purse of $500. In 1949 the German services were reduced to one each month with the last one held on December 3, 1950. It was on November 15, 1949 when Rev. Wittlinger, having completed twenty-seven years as pastor of Zion presented his resignation effective the following year. On November 15, 1950, he was given a farewell banquet.
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On January 1, 1951, ⁰⁹Rev. Carl Kiewit began his ministry. Rev. and Mrs. Wittlinger were made honorary lifetime members of Zion. Rev. Kiewit created the Zionews and distributed the first issue in February 1951. In March he helped organize the Women's Guild. The Young Adults, for persons twenty-one and older, was formed in May. In 1952, Mrs. Kiewit's young women's Bible class was organized and called Fidelis Bible Class. Lenore Parsons and Rose Newman donated our Christmas tree in memory of their father, Fred Newman and continued to do so for twenty-four years. In January 1953, a room was dedicated to Fred Schultz, a longtime Elder. Mr. Schultz was also honored on his eightieth birthday in 1960 and made an Honorary Member of the Congregation and Consistory (Council) in 1963. During 1953 $22,000 was contributed to redecorate the interior of the church which had not been done since 1922. Exterior work, new boilers and other equipment were part of the project. The 90th Anniversary of our church was celebrated May 5, 1957 with almost 600 persons attending the special service and a capacity crowd of 400 attending the Anniversary Dinner. Rev. and Mrs. O.E. Wittlinger were present with Rev. Wittlinger delivering the anniversary message. Mrs. Naomi Harding, our former organist, conducted a choir consisting of present and former members of Zion.

On June 25, 1957, the union of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches was concluded in Cleveland, which resulted in the formation of the United Church of Christ, to which body, Zion now belongs. In 1958 Mrs. Leo Leitold was honored for her devoted and able leadership in the Sunday School and she was made a Life Member of the National Women's Guild. In 1959 a major repair was made on our church steeple and surrounding roof. At that time a new cross, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schmitt, was placed on the steeple.

In 1963 the Elders were requested to make a study of the future of Zion after the first plans of various highways to be built close to the church were released. As some of our members would be forced to leave the vicinity of the church, the question of relocation or merger with other congregations was considered. Results of the balloting indicated a majority of our members preferred to continue in our present location. Ultimately we lost 23 families. Rev. Kiewit retired on January 15, 1965, after 14 years of service to Zion. At the Annual Congregational Dinner in 1965 Rev. Kiewit was made Pastor Emeritus. After Rev. Kiewit's resignation, Zion had several "Interim Ministers."

One of these ministers, ¹⁰Rev. Bertram B. Hanscom came out of retirement to accept Zion's invitation to be its pastor. An electric organ was purchased in 1965 when it was determined the pipe organ could no longer be repaired. In April, 1965, a new organization known as the Zion Fundraising Committee (now known as the "Lively Ones") was formed to foster good fellowship and raise money for extra expenses of the church. They established themselves with paper drives, rummage sales (which continue on a monthly basis to the present), good suppers and the popular "Country Store" (present day "Mini-Mart"). The Mile of Pennies was started by Ed Hambrecht to help defray the cost of the 100th Anniversary celebration. Mile of Pennies continues to the present facilitated by Mr. Hambrecht's daughter, Elaine Lukacs. The 100th Anniversary was celebrated on May 14, 1967 with a centennial supper in Fellowship Hall on Friday. On Sunday 500 persons attended a Rededication Service. After the service the congregation traveled to Swiss Hall for dinner. During Rev. Hanscom's pastorate a constitutional review and update was conducted, chaired by Leonard Hettinger. The 1968 Constitution was notable, particularly for its proclamation of church membership "open to all, without regard to race, color or ethnic background." Clara Kellogg and Frank Felgenhauer were made honorary members of Church Council in 1968 after 30 years of service. Rev. Hanscom resigned due to ill health on February 1, 1971. He was voted the honor of Pastor Emeritus.
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On February 7, 1971 ¹¹Kenneth J. Rankin was selected as our new pastor. In the early 1970's we experienced an increase in crime and vandalism in the neighborhood. It was at this time that the parsonage was torn down and a parking lot was created. In 1977 Clara Witt was made a Life Member of Church Council for her 34 years of service. The following year Rev. and Mrs. Kiewit were made Life Members of Zion. Zion's Social Club held its first meeting on November 9, 1977. Its first scheduled event was a theater party in December. On Sunday, May 21, 1978, Pastor Rankin held a Marriage Sunday. His goal was to get enough couples together who had been married 25 years or longer to add up to a million years without a divorce. He began with 42 couples with a combined total of 1,808 years of marriage.

Pastor Rankin resigned on February 7, 1982, after 11 years of service to Zion. Lay minister ¹² William Shackleford began his ministry the following Sunday with the practice of having a "Children's Moment." On May 16, 1982, we celebrated Senior Citizens' Day by honoring all people 80 years of age and over with the singing of their favorite hymns and reading of favorite Scripture. Along with helium filled balloons we launched our "Food for the Needy" campaign. This began year-round collection of food, paper products and money for the Brookside Hunger Center facilitated by Gertrude Hessler.

1983 saw Zion recognized for the donation of a whirlpool unit for the physiotherapy department of Chapel Hill Home. Work was begun to make our church accessible to the handicapped. A breezeway connecting the church building and Fellowship Hall and a ramp was dedicated on October 16, 1983. Continued improvements were made including a handicap accessible restroom. A letter written by long-time secretary, Leonard Hettinger, garnered Zion a certificate of recognition from the Ohio Conference United Church of Christ in 1986.¹³ Norman Thresher provided a smooth transition as interim pastor and remained as pastor after Mr. Shackleford resigned in 1983.

The key word for the 1980's became "Involvement" - involvement in church and community activities. To this end, Alma Wollerman mailed weekly bulletins to absent members, persons in nursing homes, and friends. This practice is continued presently by Doris Matheny. Hundreds of cards signed by the congregation were mailed to church members and friends by Ruth Hettinger. This practice she continues to the present. In 1988 Gertrude Hessler and Elaine Lukacs planned and supervised the first of many Hunger Center dinners we began serving with other churches at the Center at Brooklyn Memorial UMC. This outreach continued into 1999. Edward and Evelyn Hambrecht spurred us on to continue and increase our monthly contributions to the Brookside Hunger Center. Marie Geiger was honored for 11,000 hours of volunteer work at Deaconess Hospital in 1988.

The Tremont Area Civic Association's summer tutoring program was funded with our Church's contributions through Lenten service offerings. Project Learn established the Tremont Area Literacy Center, which met at Zion Church for a time. We hosted a Community Thanksgiving Eve worship service in 1989, which was an inspiration to all attending. This has evolved into an ecumenical service shared mostly with St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church and continues to this day. We also traveled to sing Christmas carols to our homebound members.

In February 1990, Emma Barney, on the occasion of her 100th birthday, shared with us her secret for a happy life. It was simple. Begin and end each day with a "Thank you" to God, listen to your parents, and remember the words of the children's song, "Jesus Loves Me". The year 1991 brought a Good Friday Walk by the Tremont Urban Ministry, which started at Zion Church and made 14 stops at area churches. Long-time church member, Walter Steinc, passed away on Easter Sunday March 31. ¹⁴ Rev. Scott Rosenstein was present for worship each Sunday beginning April 21st through August except for one Sunday every month. The year was an active one for the Social Club with trips to the Carousel Theater, Stubenville, St. Louis, Columbus, a Mystery Tour, Cleveland Buddhist Temple, Fairmount Presbyterian Church, Church of the Savior (Methodist), and Quaker Square. These trips continued in 1992 with visits to Greenbriar Theater, the Ameriflora exhibit in Columbus, a luncheon cruise on the "Nautica," a bus tour to the Hudson River Valley, Carousel Theater, western Pennsylvania, Mercer, Warren and Hubbard, South Haven UCC in Bedford, and a bus tour to Dennison and Gnadenhuten.
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¹⁵ Zion Church celebrated our 125th Anniversary with a special worship service on May 3, 1992. Raymond K. Lukacs and Kevin P. Konet were confirmed as part of the morning worship. Special guests included Rev. Robert Strommen (Association Minister of the Western Reserve Association UCC), Rev. Homer Kopke, Rev. Thomas French, Pastor William Shackleford, Pastor Paul Zauner and Jim Dorner (trumpeter). Seventy-four persons attended the Anniversary Dinner on May 24th. Jackie Green did a terrific job serving as Anniversary Coordinator from 1992 - 1996 - our 125th through 129th. The Tremont neighborhood is experiencing the 1990's as a period of great renaissance. Rehabbing, new construction, pubs and restaurants, art and music abound. Tremont has been voted Cleveland's "best neighborhood" by the readers of the Cleveland Free Times. Marianne Snyder, a past Board president of Tremont West Development Corporation, joined Zion in the 90's and sang in our choir. Zion Church lost a dear friend when Carol Jean Thresher, wife of Pastor Norman Thresher, died on March 19, 1993. Services were held on March 22nd. Tremont In Bloom, a community tour, was held on May 23, 1993. Stops included the Ukrainian Museum, two Ukrainian churches, two homes, and concluded with a stop at Zion Church, where a lunch of German Franks, German Potato Salad and special cookies was served. Those who took the tour were presented with a pin made in the form of a Ukrainian Easter egg. July 25, 1993 brought "Christmas in July, " with Jim Dorner ministering with trumpet music. The giving of underwear and socks was a big success with 378 items donated. Special music was provided by the Music Singers - Kristy Fanta, Katherine Kraniske, and Jennifer Ursa. A soup and salad lunch followed the worship service. The month of September saw the death of long-time member, Clara Witt, and the Confirmation of Kristy Fanta. Jim Dorner again shared trumpet music with us at the Confirmation worship service.

The 127th Anniversary was celebrated on May 1, 1994 with a catered Swiss Steak dinner. The Popinjay Puppets entertained us. Later in May, Zion's congregation attended worship at Unity Lutheran Church where our Minister of Music, Betty Funk, and trumpeter, Jim Dorner, gave a beautiful and inspirational service. Raymond Clarence Hill, son of Bonnie Hill and Ed Smith, was baptized in June. Erica Katherine Gregg, infant daughter of Karen (Steinc) and Patrick Gregg, was baptized on September 18th. November 19, 1994 a special Congregational Meeting was held to discuss the future of Zion Church. December brought the Christmas Dinner, which also featured the arrival of Santa Claus. On March 26, 1995, Samantha Erin and Hannah Marie, twin daughters of Laura (Paul) and Alan Weber were baptized. A coffee reception followed the worship service. The 128th and 129th Anniversaries included catered meals and entertainment by "Beacon Street" (mimes with a biblical and spiritual message). On June 1, 1995, Pastor Norman Thresher tendered his resignation. Pastor Thresher had faithfully served Zion Church since 1984. Long-time member, Alma Wollerman, died that same month. Her memorial service was held following church service on June 18th.
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Rev. Homer Kopke and ¹⁶ Pastor Beulah Knieriem filled the pulpit periodically. On August 18th the infant son of Bonnie Hill and Ed Smith, Raymond Clarence Hill, died. September 3, 1995 brought the death of former pastor William Shackleford, who served Zion Church in 1982-1983. Late September brought Zion's first contribution to the annual AIDS Walk in the amount of $95.00. On September 24th, Autumn Elaine Risley, grandniece of Robert Bucklew, was baptized. On August 27th, ¹⁷ Rev. Scott Rosenstein was called as pastor at a special Congregational Meeting, which followed the worship service. Rev. Rosenstein began his ministry at Zion Church on September 10, 1995 and was installed on the afternoon of November 12th. The Tremont Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve worship service was hosted by Zion Church. Lucille Koryta concluded many years of service as Zion's Sunday bulletin editor in late October, and Betty Funk became Zion's church secretary on November 1, 1995. The Lively Ones had commissioned Patrick Steinman to build two offices in the School Building - one for the pastor and one for the church secretary. Changes were made to the order of worship and liturgy of the Sunday morning worship service. A Bible Study class held on Thursday mornings began in late 1995. The Herald Newsletter was begun by Rev. Rosenstein in February 1996. Friend of Zion, Rebecca Coste, became the newsletter editor and updated the format beginning with the April, 1997 issue. Friends of Zion, Robert Fitzgerald and Richard Bryan donated live palm trees for our Palm Sunday worship in 1996. On April 24th, Zion sponsored a Senior Health and Information Fair for the Tremont area, which was well attended. Various languages were included in Zion Church worship services - including German, Spanish and French versions of the Prayer of our Savior.

On May 26, 1996, with then Western Reserve Associate Association Minister, the Rev. Henrietta Stith Andrews, facilitating worship, three new members joined Zion Church - Robert Bucklew, Tina Fitzgerald, and Rev. Scott Rosenstein. Marylou McNally had also joined the church some months before. Audrey Bennett became a member in September 1996. Mildred Jane Nelson's daughter, Bobbi Swor and Keith Palmentera were united in marriage on August 31st. A Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Robert Bucklew, meeting in the fall of 1996 studied various options for the future of Zion Church. After much reflection and discussion, the Committee unanimously recommended continuing full-time ministry with a goal of moving Zion towards a new century and new millennium. The recommendation was accepted by the Council and by the Congregation at a Congregational Meeting. Due to eye and vision problems, Betty Funk resigned from the church secretary position while remaining as Minister of Music. Patricia Matheny became the next church secretary. Patricia became a strong advocate for upkeep of our belltower, created outdoor signs promoting our church and rummage sale and incorporated visual graphics into our Sunday bulletins. After Patricia's move to Los Angeles, California in the Autumn of 1998, Tina Fitzgerald became the new (and current) church secretary. Tina also co-chaired our 1997 Anniversary (along with Lucille Koryta) and prepared lunches for Adult Sunday School classes. Betty Funk resigned her position as Minister of Music in December 1998 to take a new ministry opportunity at Old South UCC in Kirtland, Ohio in 1999.

Zion Church folk greatly increased their contributions to the 1996 AIDS Walk, and even fielded an AIDS Walk team. The team of four raised and turned in $380. The Church participated in "Buddy Sunday" with visitors representing the work of the AIDS Task Force of Greater Cleveland. World AIDS Day 1996 was observed the first Sunday of Advent with special guest solo music and a brief reflection. Various folks rang our bells on Sunday, March 2, 1997 following worship, commemorating the National Black Church Week of Prayer for the healing of AIDS - in memory of those who have died and in hope and prayer for the living. Zion Church also participated in both the 1997 and 1998 AIDS Walks and the ecumenical west side World AIDS Day worship Service (hosted by Pilgrim Congregational UCC on December 1, 1998). Rev. Rosenstein was the preacher for the worship service. Late 1996 and early 1997 brought news of great sadness to the people of Zion Church. On December 22nd Zion learned of the death of former pastor, Norman Thresher, who passed away the day before. A memorial service was held on December 27th. Another former pastor, Rev. Kenneth Rankin, died on January 19, 1997. Both pastors will be greatly missed. The School Building was used by many groups during the week. For a time Zion Church provided meeting space for two weekly Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Groups and periodic rehearsal space for Knot Theater. The School Building became the setting for a Happy Works Day Care site - providing five-days-a-week, year-round day care and preschool to children ages 2 1/2 - 5. The Day Care opened in the summer of 1997 in the Fellowship Hall and expanded to include the downstairs Sunday School Room (the Schultz room) in January 1999.
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A Constitutional Review Committee, chaired by Jackie Green, proposed updating the 1968 Constitution. After much thought and discussion the Committee proposed to eliminate sexist bias in language, bring policies more in line with actual practice, provide for the creation of a "pastoral relations committee" and an expanded role for deacons, offer "honorary membership" to those persons who for extenuating circumstances need to maintain ties with another church or denomination - yet regularly worship and participate at Zion, allow for a possible ex-officio youth representative to Church Council and add the words "of Tremont" to our official church name. The Constitution also reaffirms our historic commitment to justice and peace and (built on historical precedent) opens our membership to "all persons who seek the love of God and desire to live in covenant relationship with us as faithful disciples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" - regardless of race, color, ethnic origin, ability, gender, age, sexual orientation and identity. The Constitution also pledges us as a church to seek "to embody this grace-filled inclusiveness." The Church Council and Congregation unanimously adopted the new Constitution on April 6, 1997.

A well attended April, 1997 "Power Lunch," facilitated by Jackie Green, produced many ideas for workable and creative fundraising projects - along with volunteers to facilitate them. Joining the chocolate sales and shopping certificate programs are: annual May plant sales, a bakeless bake sale, staffing a booth at the annual Cleveland Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender Pride Festival, a cookbook, Autumn clambakes, silent auction (including dinner and entertainment), and a wedding and commitment ceremony service. These activities are geared to support "The Millennium Project" - providing financial support to help move Zion Church forward into the future.

Young adults sharing alternative Spring Break painted our entry way from the parking lot in 1997 while another group of young adults stayed with us for a week serving the wider community and participating in our Holy Week worship services that year. We hosted two "Bowling Parties," bringing together children and adults for recreation and refreshments free of charge. "Spiritual Suppers" began in April 1997, combining a meal with discussion of various faith perspectives. Periodic Adult Sunday School classes began in 1998. We also entered the computer age, when Rev. Rosenstein commissioned a designer to create our very first website. When the web server that carried the website closed down in the fall of 1999. It was moved to it's own domain at Host Depot and Joanne Popp was asked to make the changes needed to get it up again. She has maintained it to this day. New members since 1997 include: Brian and Mark Sleamon (whose Commitment Ceremony was held at the church in June, 1997), Anna E. Holter (1997), Carrie Risley (1997), Robert Candage (1998), Cassandra and Sarah Matheny (Confirmed on Pentecost Sunday 1998), Michael Blackburn (1998), Scott Sabiers (1998), and Audrey Wahl (1998).

In 1999, we had four young people (Kyle Konet, Christopher and Shannon Sabiers, and Nicole Staton) undertaking an intentional faith formation process of Confirmation classes (ably taught by instructor, Jackie Green). Each young person was also in partnership with an adult mentor. Ryan Bergeron became our church Music Director and monthly Seniors Chapel Services were begun at Pelton Place and St. Augustine's Manor (nursing homes). Zion began participating in the nationally observed "Souper Bowl Sunday" with donations going to Brookside Hunger Center, a practice that continued through 2003. Patricia Rosenstein who moved from Florida to be closer to her son, our pastor, became a regular participant in the life of our church. We also lost two lifetime members, Chuck Koryta and Lucy Bago died.
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In the year 2000, we were blessed with a generous albeit anonymous donation to replace the floor tiles in the office area of the School Building and back hall. Weekly Saturday worship services began in September under the leadership of Jackie Green, Bob Bucklew and Marcia Leslie. Jay Becker, member and brother of Violet Wittlinger passed away after a long illness. In November Adela Yambo and Luisa Aletriz united in a commitment ceremony. December 12, 2000, something happened to the church, the winds swept in from the south, with 80 m.p.h. gusts and more. Debris was all over the neighborhood, the steeple was severely damaged and there were roof tiles from the church everywhere. The hole in the steeple was big enough to drive a Buick through. 2001 brought all new challenges to Zion. The insurance was not enough to cover all the damage. Negotiations with the insurance company were begun but it appeared funds were only enough to repair the roof and temporarily patch the steeple. Robert and Joanne Popp became members of Zion on January 7 in time to participate in the Congregational Retreat held January 13th at St. Augustine's Church. Twenty-two members and friends of Zion Church participated. At the time it was determined we would continue our services, community outreach and social activities in the church. We would participate in fund raising activities and reconvene to discuss the property and ways to preserve the church.

Sandy Yambor was our local coordinator for UCC Women's Week ending with the women's service on February 11. Richard Bryan a friend of Zion Church died in his sleep on that day and a memorial service and supper were held at Zion February 16. Bruce Campbell chaired the Silent Auction and Dinner sponsored by St. Augustine Church held on February 24. Edward Gschwend, an honorary member of Zion church died February 28. Zion served as a Neutral Pulpit for the pastoral search committee of Liberation UCC of Lakewood and the Rev. John Ellington who ministered our service on March 11. Warren Yambor was appointed by Council to a term beginning March 6 to serve as Financial Secretary effective March 7, 2001. In April, Rev. Scott Rosenstein and Bob Bucklew bought a home in Tremont where Alma Wollerman once lived. Marcia Leslie joined Zion on Palm Sunday April 8. At the special congregational meeting of April 21, members favored retaining the present location by a four to one margin. Pat Steinman and John Zonza rid the steeple and attic of pigeons without harming the pigeons.

On June 3, we welcomed new members and life partners Darryl Haase and Rod Mundy with an Ice cream Social. Elsie Conde, a friend of Zion and niece of Mildred Paul died on June 16. Through Ryan Bergeron's summer hiatus our music needs were met by Pam Steinman, Mildred Paul's daughter, and Ben Czarnota a student from BW. Long time friend of Zion, Naimah Muhammad wed Robert O'Neal at Zion on August 11. August 26 was the 67th day of Summer Cookout on Zion's front lawn following worship. In September, we lost longtime friend of Zion, Tammy Turney after a very long and difficult illness, Henry Baumann, brother or Lucille Koryta and former member died and Jane Nelson, member and former choir member also died. Lorenzo Caban celebrated an adult baptism on September 23. Zion hosted our first Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival booth, which has become a tradition. Ron and Doris Matheny celebrated their 50th anniversary. On October 23 one month after his baptism Lorenzo "Lenny" Caban died. Restoration of the Fellowship Hall to comply with the need for lead abatement was begun. Bible and the Arts Sunday School class presented a Christmas Pageant. On January 13, 2002 the Rev. Scott Rosenstein was formally released from his service to Zion to follow a new career path. He and his life partner Robert Bucklew moved on to another church. Due to health concerns Gertrude Hessler resigned from the Brookside Hunger Center ministry. Lillian Mathews volunteered to take on Gertrude's ministry following the annual "Souper Bowl." Keith Konet, church council president, Rev. Erwin Koch and Rev. Herb Reichert all served our pulpit for a time.
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During this transitional period many people drifted away from the church, monthly Seniors Chapel Services were stopped and Thursday Bible Study classes were discontinued. On February 17, the ¹⁸ Rev. Dr. Joyce T. Morris came as pulpit supply. She introduced the practice of singing a communion hymn in March. On March 10 she was presented for installation as Intentional Interim Minister of Zion United Church of Christ of Tremont. Our beloved Ethel Hoffman died on February 28 and was remembered with a luncheon following worship on March 17. Bruce Campbell resigned as chair of the Silent Auction Committee and the last one held on April 20. On July 14, the association minister of the WRA, the Rev. Curtis Ackley shared his ministry with us. Lenore Parson lost her husband, Louis Parsons and her sister, Rose Newman on the same day, July 19 and Zion mourned.

In July, work on the church roof was finally begun, we joined the Coalition of Smaller UCC Churches and invited them to our Annual Outdoor Worship and Picnic, since that time Bethany UCC has become a regular part of this annual event. Patricia Rosentein, mother of our former pastor who decided to remain at Zion died on August 23. Services were held at Zion in Cleveland and at Thomasville Rd. Baptist Church in Tallahassee where she was interred. A woman of great faith she spoke of her impending demise not as a death but moving to a new phase of her life. Attendance at our Saturday Worship was dwindling and in September 2002 we started a monthly worship designed to minister to pastors. Our program lasted only 3 months but we were blessed with services by Rev. Robin Schrieber, Rev. Charles Terrell and Rev. William Bordonaro. We leased the space vacated by HappyWorks Daycare to El Barrio for classes. They remained with us a year. The year also saw our kitchen opened to raise additional funds for the church with soup and sandwich lunches on Rummage Day under the guidance of our angel of the kitchen Elaine Lukacs.

2003 heralded the much-needed complete restoration of the sanctuary. The generous donation of paint from ICI and HomeDepot and thousands of volunteer hours from members, friends, neighbors and other churches in the area made it all possible. Ruth Hettinger generously donated the funds for an indoor wheelchair ramp to connect the sanctuary with fellowship hall for which we received the Tom Paton Award presented by Margaret Mills of the WRA on July 20. On April 27 Rev. Joan Ishibashi, associate association minister of the WRA was our guest speaker at the rededication of our beautifully renovated sanctuary. Scaffolding in the sanctuary was removed just in time for the first of many major concerts by the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra. Major music events have become a part of our ministry to the community. We have hosted the African Childrens' Choir, concert pianist, Jason Peterson, the Cleveland Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble, singer Marsha Stevens, opera star William Marshall and Gabriel's Horns to name just a few.

The year 2003 also brought us a new ministry to the less fortunate of Tremont's residents. We began our weekly Drop-in Center and Meals Program. Our twice weekly drop-in center open Tuesdays and Thursday give homeless, destitute or lonely people a place for a couple hours to relax, enjoy a snack and fellowship in a comfortable safe environment. Our Saturday meals program offers a good nutritious meal every week Our dear friend and life member Lenore Parsons died on May 9 at the age of 81. With Lenore's passing came the end of a family represented at Zion for well over 100 years. Marcia Leslie, facilitator of our Bible and the Arts class and coordinator of our Saturday Worship service formally resigned from Zion in May and the programs ended. In July, our pastor Rev. Morris was invited to spend a week at Chatauqua, NY and preside over a worship service. Rev. Schrieber officiated at Zion during her absence. October 5, we welcomed Michael Kendrick as a new member of our congregation. The African Childrens Choir came to perform at Zion and for the week of their tour in Cleveland, we housed, fed and cared for the entire group (27 children and 4 adults) with the help of St. Augustine's who furnished sleeping areas in their school building and Fairview Hospital who supplied bedding. After a week with these wonderful kids it was hard to see them go. We observed World Aids Day, December 1 with a special service and keynote speaker, comedienne, Karen Williams.
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With 2004 a part of our history, we look back on a very fruitful year in God's service. We fed almost 8400 people through our Drop-in Meals Program, for a time offered free medical screening to our Drop-in Center through Care Alliance, became a food distribution location for St. Mary's of Egypt Orthodox Church and joined the Cleveland Foodbank. In addition, we hosted an HIV/AIDS working group meeting, held a 6 week program of self discovery called "Our Lives, Our Legacy" facilitated by Jackie Green, hosted the Church Women United annual World Day of Prayer. We were honored to facilitate and coordinate the events of Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society annual meeting. We hosted a Super Bowl Party for our Drop-in Center and Meals Program clients, hosted several dinners, concerts and fundraising events. Rev. Morris shared the pulpit with guest speakers Rev. Jim Kulma, director of Spiritual Care Services for the Cleveland Clinic Health System, Rev. Linda S. Gruber, president of the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society as well as Sandy Yambor, council secretary on Women's day, Robert Popp, trustee and Keith Konet, council president.

We had four new members join our congregation; Annabelle Faile on January 4, our pastor, Joyce Morris on February 8, Roger Hammack Jr. on May 9 and Cynthia Allender on July 25 and on November 28 we witnessed the infant baptism of Zoe Elinor Lukacs. The year also posed several challenges; August 29 our music director, Ryan Bergeron left Zion to pursue a more rewarding career. We suffered the loss of 2 faithful members; Dorothy Green, a member from the time of her marriage died on May 18 after an extended illness at 84 and Richard Kellogg, a member of the single largest family in Zion suffered a stroke and died on December 19 at 79. A fire in the restroom forced the closing of our Drop-in Center for about a month.

We have been blessed with many visitors in the past and a number of friends of the Congregation regularly attend and participate in our worship, fellowship, projects and activities. Surrounded "by so great a cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) both past and present - the people of faith in community at Zion United Church of Christ of Tremont press on. As we celebrate 138 years of God's presence and blessing, we are grateful for the legacy of our history and the vitality of our people empowered by the Spirit of the Risen, Living and Still Speaking Christ. We humbly acknowledge that we face many challenges as in the future. Financial obligations, the need to grow both spiritually and numerically, the challenge to more deeply embody a tradition of welcome and inclusiveness - all call for our ongoing response.

What the future holds for certain we do not know. But we do believe, trust in and give thanks to the One who holds together past, present and future. To God be the glory for God's initiative and ongoing love to us and all humanity! Amen. TOP

Updated on 04/21/07