Zion Lutheran Church (Medford, Or.)

Zion Lutheran Church had its beginnings in 1897 when Frank E. Sack, speaking only German, came to Medford, sent out by the Michigan Synod. The congregation was organized in 1898 and the church was erected in 1901. By 1913 one English service a month was held, and by 1924 all services were held in English. The pastors at Zion also served in Grants Pass and Lake Creek.

A pastoral vacancy for 18 months in 1936-1937 coupled with extreme financial difficulties almost destroyed the congregation. The church was sold at a sheriff’s sale on May 19, 1936, and the congregation rented for some months before refinancing and reclaiming of the property could be accomplished. Since that time the church has prospered, an educational wing has been added, church staff has been added, and an aggressive ministry has been carried on in the Medford area. Membership is now close to 500 and worship attendance is approaching 175 per Sunday.

From the guide to the Zion Lutheran Church, Medford, Oregon, Records, 1898-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)