Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio

I had occasion last week to visit Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church at the corner of Front and Ludlow Streets in downtown Hamilton, Ohio. The church celebrated its 170th anniversary on August 12, 2013. Zion is firmly rooted in the past, yet continues to grow into the future.

The church's website says, "The cornerstone of the first church building, on the southwest corner of Front and Ludlow streets, was laid in 1844. By 1863, the church membership had grown considerably to 675 and it was necessary to provide more room. After much consideration it was decided to sell the old church and lot and build a new church on the opposite corner. In due time a new church, with school and parsonage on the first floor and the sanctuary on the second, costing $27,000, was the splendid property of the congregation. In mid-summer of 1866 this building was dedicated to the service and glory of God."

For the first fifty years of the church's existence, services and meetings were held in German. A monthly English service began in 1909, and in 1913 German and English services were held on alternate Sunday mornings. Then followed a period in which both German and English services were held each Sunday morning. I'm not sure when the German service was discontinued.

Today the church has an active membership. Though I didn't get to attend a worship service, I did enjoy wandering the halls. The facility has a large education wing, an elevator, a full-size gym, and (as pictured above) a beautiful sanctuary with balcony (and apparently an active bell choir that plays in the balcony, too!).