Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
1305 State Ave.,
Coraopolis, PA 15108
(412) 264-6420
Worship Service:
Sundays at 9:15 a.m.
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Zion Ev. Lutheran's
A drawing of Zion Lutheran Church, by
John Miller
A view of the front of Zion Evangelical Lutheran (on
State Ave.)
A view of the tree-filled rear (on 5th Ave.)
and side (on Chestnut St.) of Zion Evangelical Lutheran
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Directions to Zion Lutheran
Church (Coraopolis)
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The Stained Glass
Windows of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church!
News / events / uPdates
Financial
Secretary:
The
position of Financial Secretary remains open. If you would be
interested in offering your services, or know of anyone that might be
interested, please contact the office for details (412-264-6420).
Financial Secretary is an appointed position and does not require
membership of Congregation Council.
Altar
Flowers and Bulletin Sponsors
Anyone
interested in providing altar flowers or sponsoring a bulletin, please
be sure to see the Sign-up Binders located in the Narthex. The cost for
altar flowers is $40 and cost to sponsor a bulletin is $10.
Click HERE for Printable
Directions to Zion Lutheran Church (Coraopolis)
View of
Zion Lutheran from State
Ave. at Chestnut St.
intersection
View of
Zion Lutheran from 5th Ave.
at Chestnut St. intersection
Most of the on-street
parking is on Chestnut St.
(along the side of the
church) and on 5th Ave.
(below the church).
There is some
on-street parking on State
Ave. (above the church).
Click HERE for Printable
Directions to Zion Lutheran
Church (Coraopolis)
Our
Stained Glass Windows
The
stained-glass windows of our church are all originals, in the sense that
no effort was made on the part of the artist to copy the Masters. The
windows give soft light and, at the same time, give expression of our
faith. The subjects were chosen by The Reverend Fred L. Poulson (Pastor
of Zion from 1929-1958) who spent many hours with the artists as the
work was being done at the studios. Construction on this new part of
the church was begun in 1951 and dedicated in 1954. The architect at
the time was Arthur N. Steinmark, of Pittsburgh.
The
Life of Christ
THE NATIVITY
Beginning at
the organ side of the church is the Nativity window. The central
portion of the window carries the Nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, and
the Baby Jesus. The related emblems give expression to the Conception in
the Lily, and the precious gifts of the Wise Men who came to worship
Jesus.
THE BOY JESUS
The Boy Jesus
is the temple scene where the 12-year-old Jesus appeared. The related
emblems speak of the temple scroll, and the seven-branched candlestick
signifying the light of knowledge and learning.
THE PUBLIC
MINISTRY
This window
carries the Baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
The association of this scene is the statement of John calling Jesus the
"Lamb of God", and the incident of the temptation immediately after the
baptism.
THE MEMORIAL
WINDOW
This window
could not be treated with stained glass as the masonry supports the
church tower. Therefore, the building committee chose to place memorial
plaques as a tribute to those of us who, under God, were enabled to
build the church.
THE GOOD
SHEPHERD
The Good
Shepherd is the subject of the great window which graces the top front
of the church building. The slender figure of the Good Shepherd with a
sheep and a lamb is surrounded by the seven so-called cardinal graces in
accordance with Matthew 25: "Feed the hungry, clothe the naked,
shelter the stranger, visit the sick, care for the widows and
fatherless, bury the dead, and help the prisoner." The ventilator
openings carry the Apostolic graces of FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE.
THE UPPER
ROOM
The Upper
Room opens the scenes of our Lord’s nearness to the cross. The central
figure speaks of the Institution of the Lord’s Supper, and is supported
by the basin and towel (Jesus washed the feet of the disciples) and the
wheat and grapes which speak of the bread and wine.
THE GARDEN OF
GETHSEMANE
The
Gethsemane window presents the Agony of the Garden Prayer with the
appearance of a mysterious cup, which could not pass. In back of the
figure of Jesus is the garden scene with the three sleeping disciples.
The side emblems depict the Dark Hour and crown of thorns, and the
arrest at The Garden Gate.
THE
CRUCIFIXION
This window
shows the figure of Christ on the Cross, the women at the foot of the
Cross, and the Latin inscription "I.N.R.I.", written by Pilate and
nailed at the top of the cross. This means
KING OF THE
JEWS.
The emblems are the hammer, nails, sponge, and empty cross (signifying
burial).
THE
RESURRECTION
The
Resurrection centers with the recognition of the risen Lord by Mary who
would have fallen to embrace His feet. The emblems point to the
earthquake, the palms, and crown of victory.
CHRIST IS RISEN...ALLELUIA!
Our
Other Stained Glass Windows
THE
BAPTISTRY
The Baptistry
is graced with a beautiful small window of precious glass portraying
Christ blessing the children. The delicate tints of imported color
glass make this a moving window from every angle. The inscription
reads,
"AND HE PUT HIS HANDS UPON THEM AND BLESSED THEM."
THE NARTHEX
SCREEN
These windows
portray the names and symbols of the twelve disciples in the order of
Acts 1:13. The tinted glass is very delicate and admits light to see
into the Nave.
OTHER
STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS
The Narthex
front windows carry the names and symbols of the four Gospel saints:
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
A small
window in the stairway leading down to Poulson Hall points to a ship.
This is the ancient symbol of the Church.
The upper
front windows off the balcony stairways speak of prayer and praise.
MARTIN LUTHER
STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS
The round
stone window facing Chestnut Street (balcony stairway) has the beautiful
color design of Luther’s Coat of Arms (see back cover). On the other
side of the church (balcony stairway) you will see Luther’s Battle Hymn
window, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”. Within the room next to
Luther’s Battle Hymn, two small windows point to the Law and the Gospel.
We, Zion
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, are proud of
our windows. In daylight, they speak with purpose and spirit to all who
come to worship. At night, the lighted church gives a friendly and warm
invitation from our Savior to all who pass along our streets.
The History of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Coraopolis,
Pennsylvania
1895 |
|
December 22 - The first Lutheran Worship Service was held in
Coraopolis by The Reverend O.S. Oglesby in the old Presbyterian
Church on Fifth Avenue. |
1896 |
|
October 6 - The accepted birthday of Zion Evangelical Lutheran
Church. Seventeen persons gathered at the home of Martha Stoehr
and adopted a Constitution. For the next two years, services
were held in Scharpf’s Hall on Mill Street during the winter
months and in the old Presbyterian Church during the summer
months. |
1896 |
|
The Reverend O. S. Oglesby was called
for $60.00 a year. |
1896 |
|
The lot on the corner of Fifth Avenue
and Chestnut Street was purchased for $750.00. Two years later
it was exchanged for the lot on the corner of State Avenue and
Chestnut Street. |
1897 |
|
January 8 - The first congregational meeting was held. |
1897 |
|
Reverend Oglesby resigned because he
could not preach in German. |
1897 |
|
The Reverend S. W. Mautz was called. |
1898 |
|
The church was united with the Mission at Canonsburg,
Pennsylvania. |
1899 |
|
The original Petition for Charter was filed in the Allegheny
County Court of Common Pleas incorporating the name of Zion
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Coraopolis, PA. The first church
building was erected for $2,140.00. |
1900 |
|
Separated from Canonsburg and became an independent parish. |
1900 |
|
The Reverend S. W. Mautz founded the
Mission in Wireton. |
1901 |
|
Two members donated the church bell which is still being used. |
1902 |
|
The Reverend Otto Mees was called. |
1902 |
|
Luther League was formed and they
supported students at Capital University. |
1903 |
|
Alternate services in German and
English. Zion became self-supporting. |
1903 |
|
The Ladies Society was formed. |
1906 |
|
The lot adjoining the church on State
Avenue was purchased for $2,000.00. |
1907 |
|
Zion united with the Joint Synod of Ohio. |
1909 |
|
The parsonage was built on State
Avenue for $5,500.00. |
1912 |
|
Reverend Mees received a call to be
President of Capital University. |
1913 |
|
Reverend Mees became President of
Capital University. |
1913 |
|
The Reverend Ralph H. Long was called. |
1913 |
|
The Deborah Missionary Society was
organized. |
1914 |
|
Zion Brotherhood was formed. |
1916 |
|
Zion was closed by order of the State
Department because of polio. |
1918 |
|
Zion was closed by order of the State
Department because of influenza. |
1920 |
|
The congregation contributed $900.00
for the relief of brethren in Europe whose churches and homes
had been devastated during World War One. |
1921 |
|
German services were discontinued. |
1921 |
|
The congregation gave an offering of
$3,853.00 toward a million-dollar in-gathering for colleges,
seminaries, and benevolent institutions. |
1921 |
|
The Reverend George F. Hein was called. |
1921 |
|
A
Tellers-Kent organ was purchased and dedicated. |
1929 |
|
The Reverend Fred L. Poulson was called. |
1929 |
|
The Mary Martha Society was formed. |
1929 |
|
The Sunday School building was
dedicated. Cost to build was $50,000.00. |
1944 |
|
The lot adjoining the parsonage
(driveway) was purchased for $2,000.00. |
1946 |
|
Zion’s 50th anniversary was
celebrated. |
1949 |
|
A financing program of Zion’s present church building began.
Gifts and insured loans brought a total of $184,920.00 by the
time the church was completed. |
1951 |
|
There was a unanimous vote to enter into a contract for
construction of the present church. |
1952 |
|
Zion’s “Cornerstone” was laid on May 18. |
1954 |
|
The 25th anniversary of the pastorate of The Reverend
Fred L. Poulson was celebrated. |
1954 |
|
Dedication of present church on
October 10. Cost: $253,000.00. |
1958 |
|
On November 24, The Reverend Fred L. Poulson passed away at the
age of 64. |
1960 |
|
The Reverend Glenn H. Oberdick was called. |
1961 |
|
The Zion Lutheran Church Women
(Z.L.C.W.) and women’s Circles were formed. |
1964 |
|
A new parsonage was purchased at 1440 State Avenue for
$25,000.00. The former parsonage was converted into the
Pastor’s Study, Church Office, and Sunday School rooms. |
1966 |
|
A Building Campaign contribution of $9,650.00 was sent to St.
John Lutheran Home. |
1968 |
|
The Bethel Series Adult Bible Study program began. |
1969 |
|
The parsonage debt at 1440 State Avenue was paid in full. |
1970 |
|
The 10th anniversary of The American Lutheran Church
was celebrated. |
1970 |
|
The 10th anniversary of the
ordination and pastorate of Pastor Oberdick was celebrated. |
1977 |
|
On September 18, the “Hymns for the Family of God” hymnal was
used. |
1981 |
|
The Reverend Glenn H. Oberdick resigns in November. |
1981 |
|
The Reverend Ronald Rademacher served
Zion as Interim Pastor in November. |
1982 |
|
The Reverend John Hergert accepts the call to Zion. |
1985 |
|
In February, the “Lutheran Book of Worship” (LBW) becomes Zion’s
hymnal. |
1985 |
|
In November, The Reverend John Hergert resigns and moves to
Baltimore, MD. |
1986 |
|
In June, The Reverend Gary Roth accepts the call to Zion. |
1986 |
|
Zion pays the mortgage on the present
church in full. |
1990 |
|
The Lutheran Brotherhood, Ohio River Branch 8825, was formed. |
1992 |
|
Zion begins to house the Neville Ark Food
Pantry in February. |
1993 |
|
The “Saturday Evening Song Worship” began at Zion in April. |
1993 |
|
On November 21, the new Church
Constitution is approved emphasizing mission. The voting age is
lowered to 16 years of age. |
1994 |
|
The Reverend Gary Roth preached his last sermon on Sunday, March
22. |
1994 |
|
On November 20, the congregation votes to call an intern, Ken
Shuman. |
1995 |
|
“A Year of Celebration” began for the 100th
anniversary of Zion. |
1996 |
|
On May 26, the 100th anniversary was celebrated with
a banquet. |
1998 |
|
The Reverend Leonard Schulz was called as Interim Pastor. |
1998 |
|
Larry Kemp, a son of the congregation, was ordained. |
1999 |
|
The Reverend Steven Broome was called. |
1999 |
|
Zion received $77,740.82 for the sale of
the parsonage at 1440 State Avenue. |
2003 |
|
The Reverend Steven Broome leaves Zion in October. |
2003 |
|
The Reverend Robert Strobel begins as Interim Pastor in
November. |
2005 |
|
The Reverend Robert Strobel’s last Sunday to preach was April
30. |
2005 |
|
The Reverend John Sweitzer began his pastorate at Zion in April. |
2007 |
|
A new Allen Digital Computer Organ was installed on August 4 and
dedicated on September 23. |
2008 |
|
A new Handicap Restroom located off the Narthex was completed in
January. |
2008 |
|
The new Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) hymnal was dedicated
on June 13. |
2008 |
|
New choir robes were dedicated on December 21. |
2009 |
|
Zion celebrated its 113th
birthday with cake and ice cream in Fellowship Hall on October
4.
(October 6 is the accepted birthday of Zion.) |
2010 |
|
A ministry/memorial event of Reverend
Fred L. Poulson took place on Sunday, June 13. Reverend Poulson
served as Zion’s Pastor from 1929 until his death in 1958. The
Fellowship Hall was then re-named Poulson Hall. A portrait of
Reverend Poulson was unveiled by
John Poulson and Jane Poulson Jackson. John, a great-nephew of
Reverend Poulson, visited from St. Paul, Minnesota. Jane, a
great-niece of Reverend Poulson, visited from Story City, Iowa.
The portrait of Reverend Poulson is displayed in Poulson Hall. |
2011 |
|
Zion celebrated its 115th
birthday with a birthday cake and other light refreshments in
Poulson Hall on Sunday, October 2, after Worship Service.
Memorabilia was displayed for viewing. |
2012 |
|
Zion celebrated its 116th
birthday with a cake and other light refreshments in Poulson
Hall on Sunday, October 28th, after Worship Service.
This celebration was combined with Reformation
Sunday. Church memorabilia, plus
Reformation information, was displayed for viewing. |
2013 |
|
The Reverend John Sweitzer resigned his pastorate at Zion,
effective December 31. |
2013 |
|
Our SWPA Synod (ELCA) supported Zion with supply pastors,
effective January 6. |
2013 |
|
The congregation of Zion voted to join
the Pittsburgh Lutheran United Ministries (PLUM) on June 2nd.
Zion became the 9th congregation united in this
ministry. The PLUM headquarters is located in Duquesne, PA.
The Pastoral Team consists of the Reverend John Gropp, The
Reverend Beth Siefert, The Reverend Melba Dibble and The
Reverend Paul Koch. |
2013 |
|
Worship Service time was changed to 9:15 a.m., effective July
7. Sunday School will begin after the Worship Service. |
Pastors Serving
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
1896 – 1897 |
|
The Reverend O.
S. Oglesby |
1897 – 1901 |
|
The Reverend S.
W. Mautz |
1902 – 1912 |
|
The Reverend
Otto Mees, D.D. |
1913 – 1921 |
|
The Reverend
Ralph H. Long, D.D. |
1921 – 1928 |
|
The Reverend
George F. Hein |
1929 – 1958 |
|
The Reverend
Fred L. Poulson |
1960 – 1981 |
|
The Reverend
Glenn H. Oberdick |
1981 – 1982 |
|
The Reverend
Ronald Rademacher, Interim |
1982 – 1985 |
|
The Reverend
John S. Hergert |
1986 – 1998 |
|
The Reverend
Gary A. Roth |
1998 – 1999 |
|
The Reverend
Leonard J. Schulz, Interim |
1999 – 2003 |
|
The Reverend
Steven E. Broome |
2003 – 2005 |
|
The Reverend
Robert W. Strobel, Interim |
2005 – 2012 |
|
The Reverend
John L. Sweitzer |
2013 - |
|
Pastoral Team of
“Pittsburgh Lutheran United Ministries”: Reverend
John Gropp, The Reverend Beth Siefert, The Reverend Melba Dibble
and The Reverend Paul Koch. |
|