Zion in Dashwood celebrates 150 years

DASHWOOD, Ont. – Zion Lutheran Church celebrated 150 years of service to the community on August 6 with hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God for His great care and support. 

The congregation included the entire village in the celebration by highlighting the church’s ongoing efforts to be a good neighbour with a small parade through the streets at 11:00 am, the usual worship hour. Perhaps this simple reminder of the congregation’s presence on Sunday mornings will be difficult to forget, especially by those who came out to wave and shout greetings.

LCC President Timothy Teuscher delivered a stirring message at the afternoon worship service, touching on the Scripture-based faith taught throughout those 150 years, and urged today’s members to rededicate themselves to teaching that same strong faith going forward.

Zion’s pastor, Rev. John Trembulak, introduced visiting pastors, including former pastor Rev. Larry Stojkovic, now serving in at Hope Church in Rochester, New York, and Rev. James Keller of Waterloo, a son of the congregation, serving at Historic St. Paul’s in Kitchener.

Attendance for worship, according to the names signed in the guest book, was 182 persons. A dinner served at the Dashwood Community Centre following the service at the church was enjoyed by a full house of hungry, happy guests.

From a log building just north of Dashwood in 1873, to a frame structure in the village of Dashwood in 1874, the church grew into a handsome white brick edifice in 1908. In 1979, during an electrical storm, Zion’s much-loved building was destroyed by fire. Just one year later in 1980, the new cornerstone was laid.

The church bell was recovered from the ashes, cleaned, and mounted on a tractor to call members to services until 1982, when a steel tower was built to accommodate it. Perhaps one of the most cherished artifacts of the former building, the bell’s distinctive sound is still heard at every worship service and has tolled at every funeral service.

Of special note is the beautiful sesquicentennial banner commissioned by Ruth Anne Merner in memory of her husband Ron. Featuring pictures of both the former white brick church building and the new church building, it hangs in the sanctuary, where it will remind all comers of Zion’s long history of service to the Triune God, and of the faithful care and support He has continually provided over 150 years.

Shirley Keller

Photos: Doris Osgood

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