South Blue Church turning 135

Zion Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod is a true country church happily situated on a hill northeast of Hampton and the Blue River. It’s entry flanked by age-old trees, the frame church, is the congregation’s third home. Dedicated in 1897, one year after a 13 year-old Zion Lutheran Church had been burned to the ground by a lightning strike.
The interior of Zion remains for the most part unchanged from the turn of the century, save paint, carpeting and pews. Zion is home to a classic wooden altar and lecterns. Light flows into the sanctuary from stained glass windows as it has for many years. Pressed tin covers both walls and ceilings. These things, though ornamental, connect congregants to the past.
Pastor Loren Cooper accepted a call to the rural church a little more than 15 years ago. The Pastor, his wife Diane and children Jason and Sarah relocated to Nebraska from Nashville, Ind. where he had served Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church since 1977.
The Souix Falls, S.D. native was called to serve by Zion in March of 1993.
Pastor Cooper says the celebration of milestones such as Zion Lutheran Church’s 135th anniversary is a good thing, “It is important to remember the past so that we can be prepared for the future. This is true of the church as it is all of life. We want to thank the Lord for all of our blessings and the continuance of our mission” as a congregation. “The beauty of this congregation is that it is one of the oldest continual Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations between here and the west coast.”
In honor of the 135th anniversary of Zion Lutheran Church a potluck lunch will be held following services on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Organized in 1873, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the church’s official name, fostered the establishment of several area churches and schools. Zion is considered by some to be a rural “Mother Church” because of its dedication over the years to sharing resources and members to establish new congregations. Immanuel (North Blue), at Polk; Hampton (which closed in 1932); St. Peter’s, Hampton; St. Paul and Central City are all congregations Zion played a role in initiating. Over the years Zion has also been instrumental in making it possible for area children to receive a Lutheran education, first through its own school, and later in conjunction with St. Peter’s Church. This school is now known as Hampton Lutheran School.
Banners decorating the sanctuary of Zion Lutheran Church declare the Lord “My Rock and My Refuge.” They encourage members to “Radiate His Love” and proclaim the congregation “Alive in Christ” as the anniversary approaches.