History

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kratzerville – 225 Years

In November of 1783, a “United Reformed Congregation” began using 100 acres of land, which in 1785 was warranted to Michael Hessler. Located in Penns Township, Northumberland County, this parcel included “an improvement already made” – the first log church building.
In 1790, Frederick Jasinsky organized a Lutheran congregation from among the people who were worshiping in that same log church. The congregation came to be known as “Hessler’s Church,” and included followers of the Reformed and Lutheran traditions.
On September 28, 1817 a constitution was adopted formalizing the relationship between the Evangelical Reformed and Evangelical Lutheran traditions and a second log church building was erected. The church’s official name became “Zion’s Church” but it was still popularly called “Hessler’s Church.” In 1847 the log church building was torn down and a two-story, brick church was built. The cornerstone for this new union church building was laid on June 20th, 1847 and the building dedicated on October 24, 1847. Total cost of the building was $2,500.00
In 1868 the congregation formed one pastoral charge with First Lutheran, Selinsgrove and became known as the Selinsgrove Parish. And in 1874 the town of Hesslerville was renamed Kratzerville, in honor of Daniel Kratzer.
On December 26th, 1900 plans were adopted for a new church building and the Lutheran cemetery was established. By the very next year, the union agreement was severed. Land was purchased for a new Lutheran church, with one acre costing $250.00. The cornerstone was laid on August 3, 1901 and on All Saints’ Sunday, November 2, 1902, the Lutheran congregation dedicated its new building, which continues to serve the congregation. Total cost of this building was $15,000.00.
In 1921, Zion severed their relationship with the Selinsgrove Lutheran churches and called their first full-time pastor, Rev. Charles Zweier.
In 1930 the church was wired for electricity. In 1951 a new pipe organ was dedicated. And on May 3, 1958 a Sunday church school addition and kitchen were dedicated. The total cost of that addition was $33,000.00
In 1943, Boy Scout Troop 41 was organized. The troop continues strongly to this day guiding many, many scouts from their first year as a Cub to the rank of Eagle Scout. In 1955 a Girl Scout Troup was organized, which also continues strongly to this day guiding many young ladies to the highest level of girl scouting.
Congregation continues to hold an annual Confirmation Reunion on Palm Sunday, inviting all those who were confirmed at Zion to return for an evening of celebration.
Zion Lutheran church has always been intertwined with their tiny community. Its self-image today stems from that and having such a strong connection to community is what makes them inherently missional today.
In June of 2014, Zion Lutheran church called Rev. Rick White to be the 39th pastoral leader of the congregation.