Zion Lutheran Church

1887-1892 Rev. Otto von Gemmingen

In 1887 a graduate of Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Illinois, Otto von Gemmingen was ordained and installed as the first resident pastor of Zion Congregation. That same year the first church was completed and dedicated to the glory and service of the Triune God.

1892 - 1897 Rev. Christian Merkel

After five years of faithful service Pastor von Gemmingen was succeeded by Rev. Christian Merkel who in September of 1897 accepted a call to Illinois.

1897 - 1908 Rev. Emil Gehrke

The congregation then called Pastor Emil Gehrke, during whose ministry a separate parochial school was built, a tower witb bell, a new organ and new pews were installed. On June 28, 1908 Pastor Gehrke was released.

1908 - 1921 Rev. H. Rottmann

Rev. H. Rottman was installed on Sept. 20, 1908.  After thirteen years of faithful service during difficult times Pastor Rottmann was succeeded by Rev. H. F. Brauer who was installed on August 20, 1921.
 

1921 - 1925 Rev. H.F. Brauer

Rev. H. F. Brauer who was installed on August 20, 1921.  In 1924 the parochial school was closed and the Sunday School was organized.

1925 - 1927 Rev. J.H. Schaefer

From about July, 1925 until October of 1927 Zion was served by Pastor J. H. Schaefer whose efforts to re-open the parochial school met with failure.  On his release Pastor Schaefer became supervisor of a program to solicit funds for a Lutheran Hospital in Fremont. Nebraska.

1927 - 1932 REV. H. WERNING

Pastor Werning was installed at Zion on November 6, 1927. When the resolution to open a Christian day school failed, he was asked to teach Saturday school and summer school. During the five years Pastor Werning was at Zion, twenty adults were confirmed. He was released on November 6, 1932.

1933 - 1934 REV. PHILIP POLSTER

1934 - 1948 REV. F.J. SCHLEEF

Pastor Schleef was installed on August 12, 1934. During his pastorate, Zion made various improvements, including equipping the church and parsonage with electricity. At this time, English became the accepted language. The church continued to offer German services. Zion voted to become official members of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod at this time and membership reached 350. Pastor left Zion on August 15, 1948 after receiving a call to Scribner, NE.

 

1948- 1951 REV. ALBERT SCHROEDER

1951 - 1960 REV. HERBERT R. BRASE

Rev. Brase was born in Worms, NE on May 29, 1904. He was baptized, confirmed and married at Zion Lutheran in Worms, NE. He attended high school in Deshler, NE and went to St. Paul’s College in Concordia, MO. After college, he attended Concordia Lutheran Seminary, St. Louis, graduating in 1930. He married Hildegard Dammann on July 30, 1930 and was called to Western Canada where he was ordained and installed in Rockhaven, Saskatchewan on August 30. After one year, he was transferred to Rosetown, Saskatchewan.
In 1936, he was sent to Lloydminster, Saskatchewan and successfully began a congregation there. After 20 years in Canada and raising five daughters, he accepted a call to Zion in 1951. He served Greater Omaha Missions Committee for seven years. He relocated to Wisner, NE in 1960 and to Wilbert, MN in 1963. He retired to Estherville, IA in 1969. Pastor Brase passed away December 31, 1982 in McAllen, TX where he and Hildegard liked to spend the winters. Services were held January 5, 1983 at Zion
Lutheran.

1961 - 1965 REV. MARVIN F. MUELLER