ZION- Originally the name of the fortified hill of pre-Israelite Jerusalem: also used symbolically to refer to the religious capitol of Israel.

Zion began in Germany where some people were united into one Evangelical church. In 1840, the Evangelical church of Germany began sending pastors to America to do missionary work and to form churches.

From these German immigrants, Zion German Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded.

Zion Evangelical Church in Peru, Illinois was organized September 5, 1852. The years 1852 to 1859, the church had three pastors who were called the "Circuit-Rider-Preachers." They were Rev. Uhl, Rev. Rosenberger, and Rev. Mueller. The name of the church at the time was "The First German and English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Peru." Services were held in both German and English Languages.

The first officers of the congregation were: David Leininger, Henry Schlegel, Richard Sperber, Adam Dubter, J. A. Bushong and William Knoblauch. The Rev. Wm. Uhl was its first secretary and kept the minutes in the English Language.

Pastor J. Zimmerman (at one time was president of the Evangelical Synod of North America) served the congregation as its pastor from August 21, 1859 to 1862. On Sept. 7 of the same year Pastor H. Siekmann became the Pastor. It was during the time he was pastor that the first constitution was adopted and the property, which is the present location of the Church and Parsonage, (at the corner of Sixth and Grant Streets) was purchased. He served the congregation until early in 1866. We think the church services were held in people’s homes for the 14 years from 1852 when the church was first organized until 1866 when the church was actually built.

On March 15, 1866, Rev. L. Austmann became Pastor. It was while he was the Pastor that the Church was built. At a special Congregational Meeting on June 4, 1871, they decided to build a tower onto the church. In the summer of 1872 two church bells were installed into the tower, and for the first time in the history of Peru the people were called to worship by means of the clear ringing bells that were imported from Germany. Rev. Austermann served the congregation until 1874.

On July 12, 1874, Rev. W. Luer became the Pastor. He served until 1877. Rev. O. Nietheimer became the Pastor on November 25, 1877. It was during his time of service that the congregation bought its first organ, which was in 1879.

On October 1, 1882, Rev. D. Ankele became the Pastor and served until early in 1886 when Rev. S. E. Hoffmeister became the Pastor on May 2, 1886. In the year 1889, the congregation sold its old parsonage that was located across form the church on the sound west corner. A new home was built. In the summer of 1891 the old tower was struck by lightning and plans were started to replace it.

In the late fall of 1899 Rev. Hoffmeister became sick and Pastor Meritz became his assistant. On February 11, 1900 Rev. Hoffmeister passed away. Rev. Paul Brauns became the Pastor. During the time he was pastor in 1902 a coat of pebbledash was put on the parsonage, and electricity was installed. In the fall of 1902 the congregation celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. A third bell was added to the chime. At this time a Building Fund was started for the enlargement of the Church Building. In 1905 the congregation had a rededication service for the addition of 32 feet that was added to the north end of the church, giving more seating capacity and more room for the Sunday school work downstairs. At the same time a new floor was laid in the original building, a new roof was put on and the entire interior was redecorated. The Ladies Aid purchased the new modern pews. The Young People’s Society donated the wood carving on the organ and chancel. The Sunday school purchased a marble baptismal fountain. In 1922 a new pipe organ, which was built by the firm of Hinners of Pekin, Ill., was installed.

In 1927, Zion celebrated its 75th anniversary. The Ladies’ Aid donated a new silver communion set and velvet draperies for the chancel and alter. The church and parsonage received a new coat of paint. Necessary repairs and improvements were also made. The Young People’s Society, the Sunday school and the Concordia Club made generous gifts to the Jubilee fund.

In 1929, a new Gothic Lectern was donated by the Young People’s Society. In 1931, the Young People’s Society paid for all repairs and painting of the steeple. In 1932, Zion celebrated its 80th anniversary. The Ladies’ Aid and Young People’s Society donated the funds necessary for repairing and redecorating the entire church property.

In 1937, Zion celebrated its 85th anniversary. The Ladies’ Aid Society purchased the alter and pulpit draperies. The Young People’s Society paid for all the redecorating of the inside of the church and making all necessary repairs to the entire church property.

On Easter Sunday 1941, Pastor Brauns, who served the congregation for forty-one years, presented his resignation to the congregation to take effect on the first of August. Having been in failing health for some time, and his condition becoming more serious, he preached his last sermon on Mother’s Day. On June 9th he passed away.

After preaching a guest sermon June 15, 1941, the congregation voted to have the next pastor be Rev. C. E. Wierth of North Peotone, Ill. He arrived on October 28th to become the Pastor of the church. 

On Sunday evening, November 2, 1941, he was installed by the Rev. Walter Kleffman of La Salle, Ill., who had been serving the congregation during the interim when there wasn’t a pastor. The Rev, Wm. F. Rest, President of the North Illinois Synod, Elgin, Ill., preached the installation sermon.

Many changes have taken place. The services that were held mostly in the German languages are now spoken in the English language. The Good Friday service was still conducted in German, at the request of the Pastor. The church Constitution was translated and revised. The Sunday school grew from 60 members to 131. An adult Bible class was organized with 25 members. A Brotherhood was organized with 36 members. The Ladies’ Aid Society had 156 members.

Individual membership was introduced at the annual meeting in January 1942. Individual communion Cups were also introduced and used for the first time on Maundy Thursday Evening. During 1942, Zion Church added 300 members.

With the increase in membership, it became necessary in 1942 to conduct an Easter Morning Sunrise Service in addition to the regular 10:15 service and this has been continued each year to the present time.

The year 1942 was the 90th. Anniversary of the founding of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church. In preparation for the celebration the exterior frame trim and steeple were added and many other repairs were made. New front doors were installed, a gift of Mrs. Lena Weissenburger.

In 1943 a drinking fountain was installed in the church parlors and new Intermediate Choir robes were purchased. In the year 1944 many improvements were made to the church parlors. Fluorescent lights were installed, a gift of the Herman Hess family, a choir robe closet was added and a new kitchen was built in the rear of the church parlors. A new stoker was installed in the church as well as in the parsonage.

It was in 1945 that Zion Evangelical Church associated with the Evangelical and Reformed Church. An outdoor bulletin board was purchased through the efforts of the Brotherhood. In the summer of this year the first picnic and outdoor service was held and is an affair looked forward to each year.

Early in the year 1946 plans were made to purchase Schulmerich Electronics Memorial Bells, an amplifying system and an automatic player. Church members were asked to donate money for the chimes. These plans were met in December when the chimes were installed and dedicated to the men of the church who served in World War II. The speakers for the chimes are in the steeple. The chimes ring everyday at 9:00 A.M., 12:00 P.M., 6:00 P.M., and 9:00 P.M. They ring during Sunday school and the Sunday worship service. They ring during weddings and funerals. If the funeral was at the church the bells ring as the casket is being taken out. In the past, if a member of the church died, the funeral procession went past the church. However old the person was, that was how many times the bells would ring. The chimes also ring during the Memorial Day service at Washington Park for the silent prayer. Most of Peru can hear the chimes. Zion Church is known for "The church with the Carillon Tower Chimes."

In 1947 two religious paintings were added to the sanctuary-gifts of Mrs. Lena Weissenburger and the William Bekermeier family. The artist, Mr. John Krogman, was present at the dedication service, April 27, 1947. In this same year new ceiling light fixtures were installed. Ornamental outside entrance lights were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Splittstoesser in 1949.

Several major improvements were made in the sanctuary in 1951. The choir attic was extended forward, steps to the attic were altered and the altar platform was raised, new carpeting was laid which was purchased by the Ladies Aid and a new larger Altar purchased through the generosity of Miss Carrie Bierman in memory of her mother, Mrs. Augusta Papernick.

The Papernick Family, in memory of Mrs. Papernick, also gave a new altar cloth. Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Colver presented the brass altar set to the congregation. New choir chairs were given by Mrs. Henry Willmeroth and Mrs. Ralph Weber in memory of their mother, Mrs. Albert Hasse.

The year 1952 completes 100 years of Zion Church. To prepare for the 100-year anniversary, the church was completely redecorated. A new gas furnace was installed. The month of October was set aside as centennial month with special services and activities.
By 1955, the membership continued to grow. Plans were finalized for a new Educational building and parsonage. The parsonage that was built in 1889 was going to be moved but ended up being torn down. The 3rd parsonage of the church was to be built first. This would be located to the East of the Sunday school addition. In 1958, Rev. Wierth left the church. The Rev. William Brandon became the Pastor. He was the pastor for a short period of time. Christmas 1959, he passed away. In 1959, the building was finished and dedication services were held. Also, in 1959, Zion took part in the merger of the Evangelical and Reformed churches and the Congregational Christian Churches that became the United Church of Christ in 1960, the Rev. Philip Krause became the pastor. In 1965, a Wick’s 18 Rank organ was installed. This was the third organ for the church. In 1967, plans were started to renovate the church sanctuary, entrance, and fellowship room. The ground breaking service was held during the morning worship on September 15, 1968. Rev. Krause announced he would be leaving the church. He left the church in 1968. During the remodeling, Sunday school was held in the parsonage and church services were held in the Sunday school rooms. In 1969, Rev. H. Raymond Voss became the Pastor. In 1970, the renovation project was completed. Re-Dedication services were held February 22, 1970. Rev. Clifford Wierth, Rev. Philip Krause, and Rev. H. Raymond Voss were present. The reception and open house included tours of the sanctuary and fellowship hall and a picture display of some of the materials in the Educational Building. The Re-Dedication Service was held at 3:30 PM with Rev. Dr. Erston Butterfield, Conference Minister of the Illinois Conference, United Church of Christ; Rev. Walter Kleffmann, Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, La Salle; and Rev. Dennis Siebert, Pastor of Bethany United Church of Christ, Tioga, Illinois; and Rev. H. Raymond Voss participating. With the renovation, three stained glass windows were put in the Narthex.

WINDOW NO. 1 (Left, facing out)
"Before Creation"-that is, before man, the highest order of all living things-is the center thought here. We see also plant life and animal life, fowl and fish, flowers, and trees, the stars in their heavenly places-each in its simplicity and beauty-each a compliment to the rest as the Creator intended.

WINDOW NO. 2 (Right, facing out)
God Resting"-may well be the theme here. Our attention is drawn to the robed figure in the lower right hand corner with head in hands-God resting and pondering his creation and all its creatureliness. Once again, we see many of the creatures of earth and sea, land and sky. Upward toward the peak, we behold the bright sun or light, signifying illumination and revelation wherever God is present, speaking and relating to his universe.

WINDOW IN THE CENTER
"The Consummation"-This may well be the central theme of the artist, Pierre Millous of Paris and Chartres, France, who created these scenes. Again, we see the creatures God gave life. But we see also the three figures of man-Adam and Eve, beguiled by the serpent; and then, the Figure robed in glowing red represents Jesus Christ-God’s perfect man, the consummation of all life. It may well remind us of the scriptures, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of man." -John 1:4.

The lighted pictures of "Christ, the Good Shepherd" and "Christ Knocking at the Door" were moved into the entrance from the front of the Church.

The Sanctuary was completely remodeled with new fixtures and furnishings. The altar has three carved panels; the center circular shield has the Greek letters ICXC. NIKA meaning "Jesus Christ Conquers"; and the side panels have the grapes and wheat of Holy Communion. Also included are the Cross, and the Greek letters, Alpha and Omega representing Jesus Christ, the Beginning and the Ending. The new balcony is tiered with five rows of pews.

In 1977, Zion celebrated its 125th anniversary. In 1985 Rev. H. Raymond Voss left the church. It took two years to find a new Pastor. There was an interim pastor, Rev. Jenny Anderson. In 1987, Rev. Jean-Paul Zenke became the Pastor.

In 1988, information was given to the congregation about putting in an elevator. The congregation did have some questions. It would not be big enough to hold a casket for a funeral but it would hold 1 wheel chair and 1 person, or up to 3 people. The congregation voted (by secret ballot) to install or not to install the elevator. There were 52 yes and 24 no votes. The elevator was installed. With the construction of the elevator, it was decided to also paint and wallpaper the fellowship hall since this had not been done for 20 years. The remodeling was completed in July. A Fund was set up by the Women’s Guild and Evening Guild to also buy new carpeting.

In 1989, a mural was put up outside the church. A special mural fund was set up to help pay for it. Dedication of the bronze sculpture of the "Last Supper" took place on October 1 World Wide Communion Sunday. After the beginning of the service held in the sanctuary, the dedication and communion took place outside in front of the mural.

In 1991, members of the church became involved with the PADS shelter. This was to provide shelter to homeless people in the area between October and April. Workers and food were provided by Zion Church. In 1992, Rev. Zenke announced his retirement at the annual meeting in January. A temporary minister came in June, Rev. Bieger. Emergency lights were put in for insurance purposes. The sidewalk on the east side of the church was replaced. In October, Rev. Theodore Engelsdorfer became the 18th pastor. Zion celebrated the 140th anniversary.

In 1993, Zion became involved with donating food and money to the Illinois Valley Food Pantry, the driveway was made wider, new carpeting and painting was done in the sanctuary, and central air conditioning was put in. A committee was also formed to discuss remodeling the Sunday school rooms. In 1994, the Sunday school rooms were remodeled along with the kitchen. A new garage was built.

In 1998, Stephanie Heilstedt, the choir director for 47 years announced her retirement. Also, in April 1998, the PADS shelter left our church. In 1999, new roofs over the sanctuary and office areas were put on. The Montessori school that was at another church relocated to Zion church. Land was purchased North of the existing parking lot to increase the size of the parking lot. Zion lost parking spaces to the South due to the building of the Women’s Health Center across from the church. Zion church and Illinois Valley Community Hospital worked together to make sure this project was done properly. The parking lot and landscaping were completed.

In 2000, a new roof was put on the Sunday school building. December, the first Sunday in Advent, the congregation saw new pew candles in the church. They were given by Elsie Engelhaupt, in memory of Wesley and Ella Baker. These are to be used during advent. The Montessori school left the church in December 2000. 

Plans were started for the 150th Anniversary in 2002.

January 2001, the 150th anniversary committee met to start planning the 2002 events. Past Ministers of Zion Church and their families will be invited back during the anniversary year to be part of the worship service. Letters will be sent to former members and present members explaining the 150th anniversary. A history book of the church will be put together. On March 25th, after serving the church for nine years, Rev. Theodore Engelsdorfer gave his resignation. On March 26th, the church council, with regret, accepted his resignation. A reception was held for Rev. Engelsdorfer and his family on June 24th after the worship service. He preached his last sermon July 1, 2001.

July 2001, Rev. Jean Carmean, became the Interim minister.

During May and June 2001, the East side of the church had to be repaired. The wall was cracked and leaking. It had to be repaired to prevent structural damage and damage to the fellowship hall. In August, a search committee was formed to find a new minister.

January 2002, new choir robes were purchased. They were dedicated on September 22, 2002.