Zion Lutheran Church, Pickrell, Nebraska
125 years of Growth and Grace
1874 - 1999
Submitted by Jennifer Renfro
"According to the United States census records, more than four million people (one third of the population) left Germany between 1850-1895. There were several reasons for this migration, which included several years of crop failures, famine, high prices, overpopulation for amount of land available and political upheaval caused by the revolution of 1848. These reasons, as well as the allure of cheap land and a chance to start over, created the greatest migration in history.
The early growth of Zion Lutheran Church is closely associated with the immigration of colonists from East Friesia, a small overpopulated territory in northwest Germany, which adjoins the Netherlands and the North Sea. Individuals and families from the area usually walked or rode by farm wagons to Bremerhaven, a distance of fifty miles, in order to migrate to America.
Upon arrival in Bremerhaven, a very difficult decision had to be made which was deciding on the sea worthiness of a ship. Concerns included the safety and reliability of the crew, and the possibility of a better chance of survival on a small or large ship, a sailing ship or a steamship. The cost of passage also played a major role. In 1873, steerage located near the steering apparatus between the main and lower deck on a steam ship cost $24-$32 per adult.
Many came to the United States on 350-1000 ton cargo boats that brought cotton or tobacco from New Orleans to a new harbor at Bremerhaven. Needing ballast for their return trip, ship captains found that emigrants were willing to occupy the steerage and lower decks in exchange for low cost tickets. Therefore it became the port from which many "Ostfriesians" sailed for America.
From New Orleans, the majority headed for Golden, Illinois, where they worked as farm hands, saddlers, painters, tailors, shoemakers, servants, etc. in order to get enough money to buy supplies for the move to Nebraska. Equipment could be purchased with 10% interest charged. It took about one month to travel to Beatrice where the land office was located. Government land was available for $1.25 an acre or 80 acres could be homesteaded if they lived on it for five years and improved it. A $12 filing fee was also charged.
In Beatrice, the shopkeepers had a small German sign under the English one so the emigrant could communicate with the shopkeeper and complete transactions.
The railroad came to Beatrice in 1869. Prior to that everyone had to go the Nebraska City, which was seventy-five miles from Zion, to buy supplies.
In 1871, a walking plow could be purchased for $10 and a farmer could earn $4 an acre plowing for a neighbor. A farmer could complete about one acre by working a long day.
When the emigrants left Germany they had to renounce their citizenship. In order to become an American citizen they had to be sworn it. A few of them spoke a little English and some spoke none at all. During the swearing in when the emigrants heard "A Citizen of the Republic" they thought they were Republicans. Others heard "Citizens of the Democracy of the United States" thought they were Democrats.
Life was difficult for these early pioneers, living in a dugout. An ordinary dugout in the side of a hill was about 12 foot by 20 foot with canvas for the door and window. These homes were not at all like their neat village homes in Germany.
The early pioneers missed their home church. Earliest records indicate that F. W. John, a circuit riding pastor who was serving St. Peter's Lutheran Church at Elk Creek, had been sent to this area to do mission work. He held services in the dugout of Albert Muehler, located about one mile south and east of Zion.
At the dugout, Pastor Muehler officiated the wedding of Onnen Flockinga and Make Fecht, in the Fall of 1872. The wedding was celebrated with a community gathering. Walnuts, popcorn, and sorghum taffy were served. The couple was presented with an embroidered quilt.
It was in the Albert Mueller dugout that ten men formally organized Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. The ten men were Foke G. Mueller, Hinerich Aden, Willm B. Schone, Onne Fockenga Johnson, Willm Johnson, Harm Johnson, Willm Ehmen, Christopher Remmers, Eilert Mueller and Thomas Remmers.
Sometimes a peddler would come along the area with nutmeg, flour, crackers, coffee, summer sausage, etc. He could speak a little German so the transactions could be made.
One of the first services held in the dugout was the three baptisms of Jana Ehmen, Trentje Meints and John Jansen. John Jansen's mother and grandmother had made his baptismal gown from the material of the undergarment of his mother's wedding dress. During the service, little John, age five weeks, was a bit fussy and his mother happened to glance toward the ceiling. She spied two rattlesnakes coiled among the rafters. Instead of keeping her mind on the sermon, she sent her own prayers to God asking him to keep the Christian rattlers up there and not join them below. The rattlesnakes stayed in the rafters.
In 1874, the decision was made for a cemetery. Anyone who so desired should bring six fence posts and $3 cash for a burial plot for 6 people. In May of that same year, Martin Martens answered the call for a permanent pastor. The congregation built a sod house for him and his family, which was later destroyed by a tornado. After the tornado, a flood drove the family from another home. Pastor Martens preached alternate Sundays, both at Zion and at Immanuel Lutheran Church at Sterling. He received a salary of $300 and Zion also provided feed for his horse.
During these early years sometimes settlers, or "sod busters," had to deal with hostile Indians who stole some of their livestock, chickens, eggs, etc. One time cowboys were driving a herd of longhorns through the area. Something frightened the animals causing a stampede, which trampled many of the crops and flattened fences.
Upon his arrival at Zion with his wife and ten children, they found a new three-room house and barn, with a well and trees that had been planted. He also taught school, receiving fifty cents per child per month. Before he left at the end of 1879, he had been appointed postmaster of "Bonn."
Theodore Seyler answered Zion's call in early 1879. His salary was $200 plus "extra" donations. From some early correspondence it seems he was a single man and received considerable donations of food. He was invited to homes in the area and often made his calls at mealtime. He really enjoyed a good meal. He also taught school at the going rate of fifty cents per child per month. At this time, the congregation held services in School District #38 located one mile south and a little east of the present Zion Lutheran Church. Seyler was also hired to be custodian which included cleaning the church and lighting the stove, salary $6 per year.
In 1880, the group decided to build a small church, across the road from the cemetery, near a leaning evergreen tree. Tragedy struck the next year when a prairie fire demolished it. Plans were then made to build a larger church on the hill instead of in the draw. On January 1, 1881, the congregation passed a resolution to build again. The size of the church plan was 30 foot by 46 foot, with a July 15 completion date. The total indebtedness was not to exceed $50. Pastor Seyler, William Ehmen, Heye Meints, Tebbo DeVries and Thomas Remmers served on the building committee. Carpenters were Christian Meints and his two sons, Brune and Henry. The Christian Meints family became permanent residents of the community.
During a devastating drought in 1883, a farmer reported that he "found" five ears of corn in one acre.
Pastor Lompe came to Zion in April 1887. His salary was $300 and whatever else could be solicited. The congregation grew during his pastorate. Now owning a complete set of buildings, Zion held regular Bible School for children several months of the year. The congregation also supported mission work. Pastor Lompe was a strict disciplinarian, who believed "men do not remove their coats" and "no tobacco chewing during services." Apparently during this time, there were some disagreements about the hymnal, as the secretary notes state the congregation "decided to keep both Iowa Synod and East Friesian" hymnals.
When Pastor Hertel arrived in 1896, he found a flourishing congregation, which was enduring some feelings of dissension. About 100 individuals attended services, but not all were voting members because of the discard.
In January 1898, a committee was chosen who submitted a plan to lengthen the structure of Zion Lutheran Church 14 feet and add an altar niche to the west end. The plan would also add a 65-foot bell tower complete with a one ton bell. The one ton bell, which is the lower tone, cost $338 and is still in use today. A new altar and pulpit were purchased for $110 and an organ was purchased in 1903 for about $600.
The Zion congregation called Pastor J. B. Reents, Pastor Hertel's son-in-law in 1902. He was an ideal man to come to Zion at that time. People had disagreements at church meetings and generally "couldn't get along". This congregation needed a dynamic leader. To this day, many of his pupils still recount the tremendous amount of assigned memory work and the absolute order maintained during class time.
With the arrival of Pastor J. B. Reents, a period began in the life and history of the Zion Lutheran Church congregation. It was marked by unusual growth in members, strengthening of faith and doctrine and outstanding accomplishments in every phase of the congregation existence. This period is thought to be unique and almost unbelievable in a rural congregation.
In 1906, a new parsonage was built under the guidance of Peter Parde, Ehme Wallman, Lambert Frerichs, Henry Jurgens, and Harm Buhr. A barn and other necessary buildings were also constructed. Notes from the secretary minutes during these years indicate that the hauling of coal was an annual issue. At one time the pay was $150 for a year.
During the congregational meeting in 1915, by a unanimous vote, 90 to 30, the decision was made to build a new and larger church. All pledges were to be paid by 1917, and if not they must pay 8% interest.
The plans called for a brick building measuring 66 foot by 150 foot, complete with two spires, one to reach a height of 115 feet with a 14 foot cross. The smaller spire would measure 85 feet with a 10 foot cross. The larger bell came from the old church measuring 35 inches while the smaller bell measured 28 inches.
All materials were hauled by horse-drawn wagons from area lumberyards and train depots. Individuals hired to haul materials were paid 50 cents a load and it took one day for a round trip from Beatrice. During their travel to Beatrice, a roast beef sandwich could be purchased for 15 cents on the corner of 6th and Ella Streets.
The 15-rank tubular pneumatic action pipe organ came from Vermont and was shipped to Pickrell, Nebraska. If a sudden rainstorm came up threatening to soak the organ wood and metal pipes, the drivers sought refuge in various barns along the way. Volunteers completed most of the work. The building committee was made up of chairmen including Pastor J. B. Reents, Henry Ehmen, Henry Miller, Jann Buhr, Thale Tholen, Henry Jurgens and Ben Siefkes. Mr. Richard W. Grant was hired as an architect with head carpenter Martin Albert and masoners John and Paul Witski.
The congregation voted to build their own school, which was registered by the County Clerk of April 6, 1886. The school was named the German Lutheran School of Logan Township and the teachings were to be according to Augsburg Confession. A new schoolhouse was built and dedicated on May 5, 1921. This schoolhouse was remodeled in 1960. Today it is used for Sunday School, Bible School and various meetings.
After serving as an Army Chaplain, Past John Hieronymus answered a call from Zion Lutheran Church. During World War II, two services were conducted each Sunday, one in German and the other service in English. In 1947, the present nine-room parsonage was dedicated. The old house had been sold for $75. It was during his pastorate that the English and German services were held. The first weekly bulletin for Zion was available in 1946. Pastor Hieronymus left Zion to answer a call from Stockton, Illinois in 1955.
After Pastor John Hieronymus' departure, Pastor Richard Fruehling came from Tucson, Arizona. Some changes took place such as new flooring in the Parish Hall, the addition of Christian and American flags, new hymnals, hymn racks, tract racks, etc. The German services were dropped in 1962, which is the same year Pastor Fruehling left.
The installation of Pastor Leonard Folkerts took place March 4, 1962. It was decided to leave the hymnals in the hymnal racks while until this time, every member carried their own hymnal. The young men from the previous year confirmation class were introduced as acolytes.
Pastor Elvin Bergstraesser came to Zion Lutheran Church in mid 1964. The first Sunday of the month was Communion Sunday and for a period of time, Sunday evening Communion Services were conducted. The altar guild was organized and boys from the previous year confirmation class were called upon to be ushers. The three-man council was abandoned and replaced by a five-man council.
In 1969, Pastor Ordean Grant came to Zion Lutheran Church. The church was remodeled included converting the back pew section into a mother's room along with the addition of a basement fellowship room and restrooms. The church was redecorated in preparation for the centennial of Zion Lutheran. The centennial was celebrated on Sunday, March 17, 1974 with an all-day event.
Pastor William Jurgens came to serve Zion from 1974 - 1994. In 1977, Zion Lutheran Church joined other congregations in Operation Hay Survival to help the farmers of South Dakota. A total of 1550 bales of hay and $545 was donated. During the leadership of Pastor Jurgens, Zion celebrated the 60th and 75th anniversary of the dedication of the church building and the organ. The congregation changed their hymnal to the Lutheran Book of Worship, the children's sermon was initiated, individual communion cups were introduced, the school house was repaired, the balcony railing was raised, Robert Waters spent a month here as part of the Student Awareness Month, and the ramp and restrooms were completed to make the church building handicap accessible.
In 1996, Pastor Rick Danforth was called to Zion Lutheran Church. In 1999, Zion celebrated its 125th Anniversary. Pastor Danforth led the "Ask the Pastor" classes, which were interesting and informative.
Pastor Stan Floth served as an interim pastor in 1999 after Pastor Danforth's departure.
Pastor Paul Petersen began his service to Zion Lutheran on January 16, 2000. Pastor Petersen served as an interim pastor for 15 months prior to Pastor Rick Danforth.
Organizations of Zion
Ladies Aid
The Ladies Aid was organized on April 23, 1936. The first Christmas grab bag gift was not to exceed 15 cents and the year closed with 36 members. The following is an excerpt from their constitution:
"The object of this group shall be to provide Christian fellowship for the members, to encourage the study and discussion of timely topics and to provide for various needs of the congregation and other worthy purposes of Christian characters as the time and means of the society will allow."
During the second meeting, a box of clothing from the Martin Luther Home in Sterling, Nebraska, was mended by the ladies and plans were made to start a patchwork quilt at the next meeting. They collected $1.50 for the first quilt. In 1938, chances on a donated quilt were 10 cents each, a total of 257 were sold.
Over the years the Ladies Aid continued to hold monthly meetings which included Bible Study by the pastor, quilting and fellowship. They have continued being an active part of Zion, both in helping with improvements of our worship and meeting facilities and also helping in the outreach of the church.
After many years of serving at farm sales, this has been relinquished to WELCA. The Ladies Aid continues to provide altar flowers for Easter, Father's Day and Christmas. However quilting is still the main activity during regular meetings.
WELCA
Women of Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, also known as WELCA, was organized on October 14, 1954, when 38 ladies became charter members, with only one afternoon circle. Later an interest was shown for an additional evening group. In 1964, WELCA was reorganized into three afternoon and two evening circles.
Projects throughout the years include: volunteering at Lutheran Hospital, canning fruit for Martin Luther Home, rolling bandages and sewing baptismal gowns for New Guinea, making Chrismons and first banners to be presented to children at their baptism, repairing the wooden Lord's Supper engraved on the altar, as well as serving at weddings, funerals and farm auctions.
Estimated totals for the past 20 years for Lutheran World Relief are 3,987 blankets, 4,148 pounds of soap, 150 kiddie kits and 600 health, sewing, activity and midwife kits and used clothing. This group also supports the food pantry.
Other activities include visits to other churches, hosting salad suppers, teas and bus conventions. WELCA monthly meetings include a Bible study, business meeting and refreshments.
Lutheran Men in Mission
This group meets monthly for Bible study, their projects include purchasing needed equipment for the church, volunteering at Camp Carol Joy Holling, assisting aide in times of disaster, hosting special events at the Fuller Memorial Park and an annual soup supper with entertainment.
Luther League / Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO)
The first organization of Luther League took place in the Fall of 1928. After a number of years and a drop in membership, it stopped meeting. The Luther League reorganized in 1946. This group has elected officers and adult sponsors who assist in carrying out the activities. At one time the major outside activities were an annual ice cream social, an annual play and a softball team.
Junior Youth Organization (JYO)
In the Fall of 1996, the Junior Youth Organization (JYO) was organized by Pastor Rick Danforth. The organization consists of 6th through 8th grade students. They participate as a group in activities sometimes including fellowship with other neighboring churches. Such activities include galactic bowling, Lincoln Star Hockey Games, ice skating, picnics and pizza parties. They help serve at soup suppers and participate in the annual CROP walk. Many have enriched their faith by attending a Middle School Gathering in Aurora, Nebraska. This overnight retreat is held over Christmas break, with other ELCA congregations across Nebraska. At this gathering they worship, attend learning sessions and participate in fun activities. JYO has become a way for the youth of Zion to gather for fellowship, create memories and develop friendships in their church.
The Band
The first band at Zion Lutheran Church was organized by Louis Lamberti. They played for band concerts, worship services and other special occasions. Although over the years the band dissolved, today young instrumentalists play at church services and perform for area nursing homes during the Christmas season.
Fuller Memorial Park
The ten-acre plot of land for the park, as well as the land north of the church used for a windbreak, were donated by the John Fuller Family to Zion Lutheran Church. A tornado that had demolished many farmsteads in the area also hit the Fuller home. Although the Fullers' were not members of Zion, as a remembrance of kindness shown to them during this tragedy by the Zion congregation, John Fuller's daughter, Mary, donated this land.
The site is under the care and management of a park committee. The park is complete with a lighted ball field, electronic scoreboard, bleachers, picnic pavilion, playground, restrooms and snack stand.
Cemetery
The cemetery has been under the care of a special board since its existence. Currently, it is managed by a legally incorporated cemetery association.
Sunday School
Throughout the years, Zion has developed an active Sunday School. Today Sunday School classes are available to children age three through high school. There is also an active Adult Sunday School class available. The annual summer Vacation Bible School week is followed by the Children's Sunday, which is a church service in which the children participate. The highlight of the year is the Sunday School Christmas Eve Program.
Choirs
The active choirs today include Mens' Choir, Ladies' Choir, Sounds of Zion, Youth Choir and Amigos. Choirs sing on alternate Sundays and occasionally all choirs join together for a mass choir performance.
1999
125th Anniversary Year
The planning for the 125th anniversary of Zion Lutheran Church started in 1998 when four members attended a three-day workshop in Dekorah, Iowa. Four additional members attended the workshop in 1999. Later, volunteers joined the committee that was divided into smaller groups. Two goals were set for the anniversary year: The first goal was to make the Parish Hall handicap accessible. This goal focused on the needs of Zion and the group felt the second goal needed to look beyond Zion and give a gift that would keep on giving. Since the second goal was to look to the future in helping others to know Christ, the anniversary committee challenged the members of Zion to raise $12,500 for the Synod Seminary Fund. The committee also decided to have a year long celebration on the second Sunday of each month to be called Homecoming Sunday, where a past pastor or a son of the congregation would lead the service. At each Homecoming Sunday, the church recognized a group of past confirmation classes.
Kick-off Sunday was March 14, 1999, with Bishop Richard Jessen as the speaker. The Homestead Harmonizers presented a musical program in the evening. On this day the elevator and new bathrooms in the Parish Hall were dedicated. The cornerstone was opened. Moisture had penetrated and destroyed some of the contents. Items in the cornerstone included a copy of the deed to the property, the order of service, and a Bible.
In April 1999, Jim Fruehling was our guest organist, Pastor Richard Fruehling could not be with us as scheduled due to illness. The following individuals received special recognition: Oldest living member - Grace Lenners (12-17-01)
Longest married couple - George and Margaret (Paben) Ideus (8-22-35)
Oldest living Confirmed - Heye Huis (1915)
The Couple, baptized, confirmed, married
and still active members - Anton & Elizabeth (Meints) Oltmans (1-20-38)
In May 1999 Homecoming Service guest pastor was LeRoy Remmers, a son of Zion. All of these special Sundays were followed with a dinner hosted by the various circles. Everyone who attended received a complimentary pen during our year of celebration. Fund-raisers included selling T-shirts, cookbooks, history books and a quilt raffle.
In June 1999, a traditional service was held. The men entered the north door and sat in the balcony along the north side. Suggested attire for the med was white shirts and dark trousers. All the women entered the south door, many wore dark dresses and hats. The klingbeul, an offering plate, was used to receive the morning offering. Pastor Ordean Grant and his family led the services.
Zion Lutheran Church participated in the annual Homestead Days Parade in Beatrice. Zion youth walked or rode a float complete with balloons and a clown. The main float was a replica of the current Zion Church building with members of the congregation depicting an old time minister leading the congregation in song. The float received a first place award for most original entry. The church replica float and banner appeared in many parades throughout Southeastern Nebraska and Northwestern Kansas.
In July 1999, Homecoming Sunday welcomed another son of the congregation, Pastor Arden Dorn. Both sacraments were celebrated during this service. Pastor Dorn and his wife favored the congregation with a vocal duet. On July 4, 1999, a celebration was held at Fuller Memorial Park. Festivities included soft ball games, a band concert, gospel, music, an ice cream social and a spectacular fireworks display.
In August 1999, Zion Lutheran Church welcomed Pastor William Jurgens to lead the service.
In September 1999, Zion Lutheran Church hosted a Talent Night. Past and present members of Zion provided entertainment. Zion is truly blessed with so many talented individuals.
In November 1999, Homecoming Sunday speaker was Pastor Paul Petersen. This service honored Veterans of the community. A large banner with a star for each Veteran was made. The World War I flag was displayed, while sadly the World War II flag was not located. A Veteran's book was made, dedicating a page for each Veteran.
Then and Now
Through the years some changes have been made and some have remained constant. One of these changes is Mission Festival Sunday. This Sunday consists of three services, a noon meal and a fellowship hour following the third service. Special music is enjoyed this day and the emphasis on outreach to the mission fields.
Some customs have seen dramatic change and others have been subtle. Originally the services were held in German. Then services were held in both English and German, and finally the German service was dropped all together. The original musical instrument was a hand crank organ that was gradually updated to the 15-rank tubular pneumatic action pipe organ. While originally children were baptized at home, most baptisms today take place during the regular Sunday service.
Zion Lutheran Church never maintained a parochial school. Children attended grammar school for six or seven months and then five months of German and religious instruction. The pastor was called upon when teachers were not available.
Confirmation instruction was to be attended for two years, followed by an "examination" Sunday. This oral examination occurred the Sunday before Easter during the regular church service. If the congregation agreed that the class was well-versed in religion, they were confirmed the following Sunday and received their first Holy Communion.
Holy Communion was celebrated five times a year, conducted by the pastor. Occasionally, if a large number had registered, a neighboring pastor may come in to help.
Early weddings were performed in the parsonage, the church, or the home of the bride. If the ceremony took place in the church, it was performed during the morning service.
The church bells were rung as soon as possible after a death. If the death happened at home, the clock was stopped and mirrors covered in black until after the burial. Different color horses were used to pull the hearse; white for a child, brown for a middle-aged individual, and black for an elderly person.
The Legacy
Zion Lutheran Church, with its imposing twin towers that dominate the landscape, remains the religious center of the community, as it has for the past 125 years. The north, taller spire originally contained the entrance reserved for men and the shorter spire the entrance for women. At that time it was customary for men to sit on the side of the nave and women on the other. Although membership and attendance have diminished in recent years due to a decline in the rural population, it continues to be a strong and active church.
Zion Lutheran Church is the mother church of at least five Southeastern Nebraska Lutheran Churches which include: St. John's Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Christ Lutheran Church, rural Pickrell, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, rural Beatrice, American Lutheran Church, Filley and Adams American Lutheran Church, Adams. Zion Lutheran Church serves as a monument to the sturdy and God fearing East Friesian settlers who braved isolation, Indian scares, drought, blizzards, prairie fires and floods to convert a wild desolate land into beautiful productive farmland.
