Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded on March 17, 1872, by 61 men and 38 women of German background. They met in the former Congregational Church on Jay Street. On May 4, 1872, the young congregation acquired this building for $3,500. During Zion's first eight years the congregation was served by four pastors.

 

Then, in 1880 Zion called Pastor Ernst Carl Ludwig Schulze who served with great success and zeal for the Lord's work until his death in October 1918. Under Pastor Schulze's leadership Zion founded a Christian day school that continued until 1931.

 

The congregation soon outgrew its Jay Street quarters, so in 1887 it purchased property at 153 Nott Terrace and began construction of the rear of the present structure. This original part of the church was dedicated in 1888, with the first floor housing the school and worship conducted upstairs in the Parish Hall.

 

In 1892 the congregation erected the sanctuary to accommodate its growing membership. Zion was prosperous as Schenectady grew as an industrial center.

 

In 1919 Zion called Pastor Otto C. Busse who served until his resignation in December 1945. During Pastor Busse's tenure Zion's membership increased from about 400 confirmed members in 1919 to 600 members by the beginning of World War II.

 

In the 1920's Zion began to hold Sunday services in the English language as well as the traditional German. Pastor Busse incorporated the German immigrants of the 1920's into the life of the congregation and maintained the morale and spiritual well-being of its members during the Great Depression.

 

In 1941 Pastor Busse was granted a leave of absence to serve as chaplain in the U.S. Army. He remained in the military service until his resignation.

 

In 1943 Zion called Pastor Robert C. Albohm under whose untiring care Zion reached out to the community embracing all who shared our Lutheran doctrine. Both Schenectady and Zion prospered in the post-war years. In 1957 the educational wing was completed, and in 1964-66 the church underwent major interior and exterior renovation, and the Friendship Room was added. The Staff grew to include a full time Minister of Music and since 1969 an Assistant or Associate Pastor. Pastor Albohm's sudden death in 1975 left a great void.

 

Zion's Pastor, the Reverend Paul F.G. Wildgrube, was installed in 1976. He is a graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. Our music program is under the direction of Scott Trexler, who came to Zion in 1974.  Reverend Wildgrube serves as Pastor Emeritus.

 

Despite the sharp decline in Schenectady's industrial employment, Zion continues to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ with strength and power. 

Zion Lutheran Church

Working For God in our Community with Christ in our Midst.

History of  Schenectady Zion Lutheran

In the beginning,..

The Jay Street Church 1872 - 1888