Zion Lutheran Church (Ann Arbor, Mich.)

The early history of the Zion Lutheran Church of Ann Arbor parallels the career of Reverend Frederick Schmid. Reverend Schmid came to Ann Arbor from Germany and established the Zion Church in Scio Township in 1833 and the Bethlehem Church in Ann Arbor in 1849. He served as pastor of the Bethlehem Church until his retirement in 1871 and was succeeded by Reverend Herman Reuter. The question of a new location for the Bethlehem Church split the congregation in 1875. A number of the members, including Reverend Schmid, withdrew from the Bethlehem Church and organized the Zion Lutheran Church.

The first service of the Zion Lutheran Church, July 11, 1875, was held at the old Congregational Church on Fifth and Washington Avenues. The leaders of this new church bought the Congregational Church and named the Reverend Herman Frederick Belser (1875-1890) to serve as the congregation's first pastor. Reverend Belser served as pastor until his retirement in 1890. He was succeeded by Reverend Max Hein. During Reverend Hein's ministry (1890-1895) the church was torn down and a new building was erected on the same location. The dedication service was December 9, 1894.

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