Remembering the past, welcoming the future.

Zion Lutheran Church was organized officially on July 31, 1917 under the direction of the missions board of the East Pennsylvania Synod.  During the first seven years, seven pastors or seminarians served the congregation.

With the pastorate of The Reverend Paul R. Ronge (March 15, 1924 to December 25, 1945) we have the first ministry of any duration.  Pastor Ronge served faithfully despite many difficulties (personal hardship, the Great Depression, World War II) for twenty-one years, until he resigned and retired to private life.

The next twenty years, 1946 – 1966 is perhaps the most important phase of ministry at Zion.  It saw the post World War II years, the building of Levittown, and the founding of several neighboring Lutheran congregations.  Pastors serving Zion were:  The Reverend Paul H. Gleichman – May 1, 1946 to January 15, 1952; The Reverend Glenn H. Wampole – August 1, 1952 to March 1955; and The Reverend John Leo Gallagher – November 1, 1955 to July 15, 1966.

During these years, Zion experienced its greatest growth.  Its pews were filled with people and three services were offered every Sunday.  The most important growth however, was the liturgical and sacramental renewal initiated by Pastor John L. Gallagher.

Early on in his tenure, Pastor Gallagher restored the Mass to its rightful place as the weekly worship of the people of God.  Zion was one of the first parishes in this synod, if not the first, to do this.  Though Lutherans have always confessionally professed an Evangelical Catholic faith, few congregations have embodied it, as has Zion.

It was also during Pastor Gallagher’s ministry (1963) that the first renovation of the church was undertaken.  The whole worship space was turned around, allowing for a much larger narthex.  The crucifix hanging above the altar became the focal point of the church.  An aumbrey (tabernacle) for the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament was installed, and a statue of Christ the Good Shepherd was placed in the baptistery.

From November 1, 1966 to June 30, 1990 the Reverend John Noell Holman served as Zion’s Pastor.  Pastor Holman continued to build on the liturgical and sacramental renewal of his predecessor. His concern for excellence in worship enabled Zion to introduce the Lutheran Book of Worship to Lutherans in North America (1978).  New banners, altar hangings, and Eucharistic vestments were designed by Pastor Holman and crafted by members of the congregation.

Faceted-glass windows picturing the life of our Lord and the Church’s year of grace were also designed by him, and the work was commissioned to Willet Studios of Philadelphia.  Pastor Holman’s last and perhaps greatest undertaking was the installation of a two manual Edwin A. Ohl tracker organ in the church (1988).

Pastor Holman’s twenty-four years of ministry at Zion are also fondly remembered for developing a fine summer camping program for the young people.  Hundreds of young people and adults participated in Zion’s themed programs of learning, fun, and sharing at Bear Creek Camp.

Following Pastor Holman was the Reverend Ann Salmon June 1991 to July 1996.  Under Pastor Salmon’s leadership Zion became more intentional about outreach to the community.  During her brief tenure the outside of Zion’s buildings were renovated and a Hispanic ministry was undertaken.

In June 1998 the Reverend George W. Loewer came to Zion, bringing with him some thirty people from his former congregation.  Their presence brought renewed hope for Zion’s future and a new enthusiasm for ministry.  From the onset of his tenure, Zion once more took up the renovation and updating of its facilities.

The last four years at Zion have been busy years with renovations in the parish house kitchen, bathrooms, and upstairs meeting room; the construction of new offices and the air-conditioning of the church.

During the winter of 2001 – 2002 saw the renovation of the worship space, with the majority of the work being done by Zion’s members and friends.  A beautiful wood ceiling was installed improving acoustics considerably.  New walls and lighting were installed, along with a sacramental niche and tabernacle; and a new baptistery was created.  A striking Christ the King cross commands attention from the wall behind the altar.  Marble tiles offset the altar and baptismal font.

In preparation for Zion’s 100th anniversary in 2017, the old carpeting in the church was removed and new commercial laminate flooring installed. This has significantly improved acoustics in the church.

With thankfulness for the past, we look forward to our future in Bristol.  Directed by God’s Word and strengthened by the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, God’s people will continue to worship, witness, serve, and share the love of Christ in Bristol for years to come.