Zion History
Founded in the late 19th century, Zion Lutheran Church has been a spiritual home for Lutherans in Central Ohio for well over a century. The congregation was established to serve the growing population of German immigrants in the region and has remained committed to the confessional teachings of the LCMS.
Zion is a church rooted in Biblical truth, welcoming members from Columbus and surrounding communities into a life of faith, fellowship, and spiritual growth. We strive to be a place where God’s Word is proclaimed, relationships are nurtured, and lives are transformed through Christ.
A widespread controversy over predestination swept through the Lutheran Church in the late 1800s, with the Iowa and Ohio Synods firmly opposing the teachings of LCMS Professor C.F.W. Walther. This theological clash led to a lasting division among American Lutherans. On June 18, 1882, Rev. Herbst arrived at Trinity Lutheran Church only to find himself locked out. Undeterred, he stood on the church’s front steps alongside congregants who also rejected the doctrine of predestination and conducted a worship service. He famously remarked that he "didn't want to waste a good sermon." That Sunday morning, those committed Lutherans united to form what was originally called The Evangelical Lutheran Zion's Church of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession (U.A.C.), of the City of Columbus, County of Franklin, State of Ohio.
The congregation was officially incorporated in 1899. Remarkably, within just one week of holding worship on the front steps of their former church, the devoted group of Lutherans acquired their first church building—purchased from St. Paul's Episcopal congregation—at the southeast corner of Mound and Third Streets. By God’s grace, Zion’s members were able to dedicate their new sanctuary with a divine worship service on Sunday, June 25, 1882. Services in German were held twice a month until 1929, reflecting the congregation’s heritage and commitment to tradition. The building, affectionately known today as "Old Zion," faithfully served the congregation until March 14, 1954.
Zion’s current home at 766 South High Street was purchased on May 12, 1952. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place on April 19, 1953, with construction commencing the very next morning. The cornerstone was laid on June 21, 1953, marking a significant milestone in the congregation’s journey. On March 21, 1954, Zion joyfully celebrated the festival day of dedication, consecrating the “new” church building to the glory and honor of Almighty God.
Pastors of Zion
Zion’s first pastor, Reverend Richard Herbst, served the congregation with steadfast devotion for fifteen years. In 1897, he was granted a peaceful release to accept a new calling as Chaplain of the Home for Aged People in Brooklyn, New York.
Reverend Zorn was installed as Zion’s pastor on September 17, 1897. During his six years of dedicated service, he founded and taught in a Christian day school, further enriching the spiritual and educational life of the congregation. He later resigned to accept the pastorate of St. John’s congregation in South Euclid, Ohio.
In January 1904, Reverend Haentzschel accepted the Call to serve as Zion’s pastor, arriving from Cleveland. After three years of faithful ministry, he was called to a new role in theological education, accepting a professorship at Concordia College in Conover, North Carolina
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Reverend Steinbach arrived in Columbus in 1907, coming directly from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. His time at Zion was brief, as he was compelled to resign in 1910 due to declining health.
Reverend Bohn was installed as Zion’s pastor on September 9, 1910. Over the course of his ten-year ministry, the congregation acquired the Felgemacher organ, a treasured instrument that was later relocated to the new Zion building and remained in use until 1967. Under his leadership, the members of Old Zion successfully retired the debt on their church property, marking a significant achievement in the congregation’s history.
On October 17, 1920, Reverend Otto F. Stolzenburg was installed as pastor of Zion. He faithfully served the congregation for forty-one years, guiding generations of worshippers until his retirement in October 1961. Even after stepping down from active ministry, Reverend Stolzenburg remained a beloved presence in Columbus, where he lived until his passing in April 1964.
Reverend Stanko began his ministry at Zion in February 1962, bringing energy and dedication to the congregation. After more than a decade of service, he accepted a new pastoral call to Concordia Lutheran Church in Dayton, Ohio, in October 1973.
Reverend Britton came to Zion from Our Savior Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan, bringing with him a wealth of experience and spiritual leadership. He was formally installed as pastor of Zion on August 4, 1974.
Reverend Reetz accepted a pastoral call to Zion from a congregation in West Virginia, bringing vision and vitality to his ministry. During his time at Zion, the church building was expanded to better serve the growing needs of the congregation. In 2003, Pastor Reetz accepted a new call to Grace Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida.
Reverend Steinke accepted a pastoral call to Zion from a congregation in Michigan, bringing a heart for ministry and education. After serving Zion faithfully, he departed in 2007 and spent several years teaching in Florida. He later returned to parish ministry, accepting a call to a Florida congregation.
Reverend Kudart joined Zion as an Assisting Pastor in 2001, offering wisdom and support drawn from decades of ministry. Prior to his time at Zion, Pastor Kudart served faithfully at Trinity Lutheran Church in Zanesville for over forty years before retiring.
Reverend Hromowyk came to Zion following the completion of his vicarage, bringing fresh enthusiasm and a deep commitment to ministry. He was ordained and installed as pastor on January 19, 2014, marking the beginning of his service to the Zion congregation.