Zion Evangelical United Church
Pembroke ON

Welcome to Zion United. Our mission statement: “To be a welcoming Christ-centred community empowered to share God’s love and to make disciples for Jesus Christ through worship, fellowship, teaching, prayer and acts of caring.”

 

http://zionunitedpembroke.org/  

 

History of Zion Evangelical United

Rev. Frederick Scharffe arrived at Mrs. Leidel’s Hotel in Pembroke on May 12, 1886, as a “missionary” to German-speaking people in the Ottawa Valley of the Canada Conference of the Evangelical Association. Until this time, the denomination had concentrated on south-western Ontario, with Waterloo County as its centre. The Evangelical Association originated in Pennsylvania around the year 1800.

Because opposition in Pembroke to such “Evangelical” missionary work seemed strong, Rev. Scharffe first concentrated on the surrounding townships. An early historian wrote, “Conversions and accessions made jubilant his trial”.

In the Townships of Alice and Wilberforce four churches were dedicated and a “parsonage” constructed mainly within one year. From this modest beginning, many “Evangelical” churches became well established in Renfrew County – Alice, Arnprior, Augsburg, Golden Lake, Green Lake, Killaloe, Letterkenny, Locksley, Lyndock, Palmer Rapids, Petawawa (now Mount Zion), Rockingham, Rosenthal, Schutt Emmanuel, Tramore, and Wilberforce (several of these have since been closed).

In 1876 a serious effort was made to launch a congregation in Pembroke itself. “Preaching services” were held in the Winke and Zerbe homes, and later in a hall over the harness shop of Edward Clarke, a Methodist local preacher.

In 1886 a congregation was organized with a membership of 28 in 9 families. A church building was completed on Miller Street in 1887. The dedication was conducted by Rev. Joseph Umbach, Conference Superintendent and Rev. Fred Meyer, Pastor.

Up until 1889 the “Pembroke Mission” (Pastoral Charge) consisted of the following churches: Pembroke Zion, Alice 4th, Alice 10th, Petawawa, Wilberforce and Green Lake. After that, until 1925, various combinations pertained from time to time.

As Zion increased in numbers, the building became too small. In 1903-05 further expansion was carried out, a new wing and tower being added to the main building with Bishop S. C. Breyfogel officiating at the re-opening. In 1906 a commodious parsonage was built at 378 Murray Street.

In 1915 a member of the congregation, William Markus was appointed one of the lay delegates of the Canada Conference, to the General Conference of the Evangelical Association held at Los Angeles, California. In 1916 the Annual Canada Conference convened in Pembroke for the first time, one of

Zion’s laymen paying the complete traveling expenses of the delegates and ministers from and to Toronto. For the occasion, a basement was added to the church building.

In 1919 the congregation procured land for a church cemetery.

The merger of the “Evangelical Association” and the “Evangelical Church” in 1922 meant that the congregation was to be known for the next twenty-four years as Zion Evangelical Church.

In 1925 Zion and Petawawa were constituted a circuit, an arrangement that continued for thirty-three years.

A great “revival” in 1936, resulting in seventy conversions, made a lasting impact on the life of the congregation and its people.

The membership of the church increased to such an extent that in 1937 a gallery was built and the interior of the church building renovated. The following year art-glass windows were installed.

In 1938, with future expansion needs in mind, three adjacent houses were purchased, two facing Miller Street and one facing Murray Street. In later years they were removed, partly to make space for a parking lot, and partly for enlargement of the church building.

In 1946 the congregation celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. Over three hundred former members and friends from far and near attended a week of “At Home” services at which former ministers served as guest preachers. Bishop George E. Epp preached at the three services on Sunday, September 8th which climaxed the event. By this time the congregation had grown from 28 charter members to 291.

In that same year a merger of denominations again brought a new name to Zion when the Evangelical Church and the United Brethren in Christ Church united to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church, a name that was to be used for only twenty-two years.

In 1950 the church building was remodeled and greatly enlarged at a cost of $55,000.00. An electric organ was installed. The entire indebtedness was paid off in less than five years.

In 1951 the Annual Canada Conference was held at Pembroke Zion for the second time, Bishop J. Balmer Showers officiated as chairman.

A Christian Education Unit, later known as the Fellowship Hall, was built and dedicated on February 3, 1957 by Bishop Reuben H. Mueller. The cost of this project including furnishings, in excess of $78,000.00 was paid off in six years.

Following a period of many years of church building, extension, remodeling and the completion of the Fellowship Hall, Zion Church entered upon a period of missionary outreach, in many ways.

In 1953 M & B (now M & S) budget was more than tripled in size. In addition, it became a sustaining church for a missionary family in the Philippines, the Wicklers, providing one half of their support; for missionary nurses from Zion working in the Espanola Hospital, New Mexico; and for assuming an annual appropriation of $2,500.00 toward the development of the campsite at Golden Lake, altogether representing 28% of the total budget for “Outreach”.

During this period of its history, a son of the congregation, Clarence Lemke was given to the ministry.

In 1954 the Alice congregation disbanded and its members, numbering 37 were transferred to Zion in Pembroke. In 1958 the Petawawa congregation was transferred from the Pembroke Zion “circuit” and linked with Locksley and Wilberforce to form a new “circuit”.

Over the years under the Pastor-Superintendent system of administration in the denomination, Zion’s pastor, with but a few exceptions, also served as Superintendent of the Ottawa District (Ottawa Valley).

In 1960, however, when a single superintendent was appointed for the whole Conference with a Group Leader for each District, the Zion Church Minister was appointed Group Leader.

During 1961 and 1962 it became necessary to purchase nearby properties on the corner of Miller and Christie Streets, and adjacent along Miller Street, in order to provide additional off-the-street parking in a second parking lot.

During 1964, Zion joined with the rest of the Canada Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church as the Conference celebrated its Centennial under the theme, “A New Spirit for a New Century”. A Century Club was organized and a Centennial book was distributed.

January 31, 1965 marked another step forward when a new #6 Baldwin electric organ was dedicated as a memorial to men of the congregation who died in the two world wars. Also at this date a new cross-centred reredos was dedicated, adding beauty and dignity to the whole sanctuary.

In the spirit of Canada’s Centennial in 1967, a congregation Open House was held, including a historical display of artifacts from Zion’s history; also, a tractor was purchased and sent for the work of Rev. and Mrs. Don Pletsch and family, Agricultural and Medical Missionaries in Siera Leone who were being supported by the congregation. In this Centenial Year Zion distributed 43% of its total budget for “Outreach”.

During this year the last Men’s Congress of the Canada Conference was held at Zion Church. In the autumn, Zion’s lay member and minister attended at Waterloo, Ontario the 103rd and last Annual Session of the E.U.B. Canada Conference.

On January 1st, 1968 union was consummated between the Canada Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the United Church of Canada. As a local name, the congregation adopted “Zion Evangelical United Church”.

A letter of welcome was received from Rev. H. F. Skoutajan, Chairman of Renfrew Presbytery of the United Church of Canada. In the autumn, the Presbytery met for the first time at Zion Evangelical United Church.

Membership at Zion was at its highest in its history just prior to union – 558. But because a number of families withdrew at the time of union, the membership was reduced by a hundred. Miss Jean Kellerman, a missionary in Japan, replaced the Wicklers of the Philippines as receiving special support from Zion Church.

Also, in 1968, plans were laid at a congregational meeting for a new main entrance, including a memorial window. The project was completed in 1969 at an approximate cost of $16,000.00.

Leveling and paving for an extension to the original parking lot were completed in 1971, another house and lot on Murray Street, adjoining the church property, having been purchased in 1970.

In 1970 Zion’s minister was elected chairman of Renfrew Presbytery.

In 1972 Ross Davis was recommended to the ministry. Zion’s minister was elected ministerial representative from the Bay of Quinte Conference to the Executive of General Council and a representative of the Conference to the 25th General Council of the United Church held at Saskatoon.

A large number of memorials and gifts were presented and dedicated during the 1972-73 year.

A number of women and a young person were elected to the Session.

Special support was undertaken of the mission of Rev. and Mrs. Jay Story in India, replacing the Don Pletsch’s and of Dr. Barbara Kellerman at the Baie Verte Hospital, Newfoundland.

Total contributions for all purposes reached $44,804.00 for the first time, of which $11,000.00 was for “outreach” which includes Mission and Service.

1973 was the first year that lady Elders served Communion. Our missionaries, Rev. and Mrs. Donald Pletsch returned to Canada but an agricultural machinery project in Sierra Leone would continue to be supported as well as the work of miss Jean Kellerman in Japan, Rev. and Mrs. Jay Story in India and Dr. Barbara Kellerman at Baie Verte Hospital in Newfoundland.

In 1974 Rev. Story visited our congregation and showed slides of his mission field in India. He was also the guest speaker for Zion’s Anniversary Service.

In 1975 the United Churches in Pembroke, Wesley, Calvin and Zion shared a joint Communion Service to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the United Church in Canada. At the Anniversary Service, October 26th renovations to the organ chamber, choir loft, worship centre and Church Sanctuary were dedicated. Many memorial donations were also dedicated, including Oak Cross with brass Eternity Rings, hymn boards and numbers, plants and money.

Two former and present ministers, previously ordained by Bishop J. Balmer Shower on April 29, 1951 took part along with Rev. Brox in a special 25th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving and Praise.

In 1979 we were to lose Rev. Henry Getz to a position of first Area Minister for Northern Pastoral Region. As a result in 1979 there were 9 months without a minister. Rev. John May became the new minister with his wife Phyllis and their family moving into the manse in August. His first sermon was on Thanksgiving Sunday. Also in 1979 a room was renovated to become the Church Library.

1980 was a year of new beginnings: a yard sale and crafts to raise money; formation of new groups – U.C.W. “Creator’s”, and “Men’s Choir”. Also newly formed was the “Ministry and Personnel Committee”.

In 1981 our minister Rev. may was elected President-elect of the Bay of Quinte Conference. He would begin this position in May, 1982.

Numerous items were added to our Sanctuary in 1983 in memory of loved ones including a piano, Communion ware, brass vases and offering plates, brass altar set (Cross and candleholders), Bible stand and Bible. The U.C.W. quilted a large banner which was displayed at Conference in Kingston and is now hanging in the Sanctuary. Our pastor, Rev. John May began part-time studies in Kingston towards his Doctor of Ministry degree.

A VIM project was undertaken in 1984 with $29,700.00 being pledged and $9,834.00 was received at the time of registration. New drapes were hung in the Fellowship Hall.

Rev. May accepted a call to Harmony Road United Church in Oshawa and Rev. Babstock and his family moved into the manse in January, 1985. A new fire alarm system was placed in the Church and Fellowship Hall complete with heat and smoke detectors and emergency lighting system, all of which is connected directly with the Fire Department.

1986 marked 100 years for Zion. The logo was “1886 People of Zion, Rejoice 1986″ with a banner displayed outside and church picture christmas cards and hasti notes as well as decorator plates and pictorial directory being made available. Many former ministers were invited back, including Rev J. Henry Getz, Rev. Earl E. Pletch, Rev. Dr. John V. Dahms, Rev. John May, and Rev. Dr. Howard Brox.

A large pictorial display of many years of Zion, a pictorial gallery of former ministers, refurbished church lounge and large banners made by the Sunday School were a few of the years undertakings. Pulpit drapes, Altar runners and Bible markers were donated for the Sanctuary. A special Anniversary banquet, complete with anniversary cake, decorations and special guests was enjoyed by a large number of former and present Zion members.

Also in 1986 Zion purchased the house on the corner opposite the church owned by Herb Baird, an Official Board member and Elder, who passed away.

In 1987 our minister Rev. Babstock was inducted as Chairman of Renfrew Presbytery. In May we purchased another bus to replace the old one and this gives more room and comfort to passengers and volunteer drivers.

1988 began with a “Spiritual Renewal Workshop” held at Zion and led by Rev. & Mrs. Bailey Snow and Mr. & Mrs. Saito and Mr. Walter Miller. This year a report on “Human Sexuality” was discussed and voted on at General Council with many adverse effects throughout the various United Church. Zion held together under the expert guidance of Rev. Babstock and the congregations faith in God and His teachings.

In 1989 a computer was purchased for the church office. The Manse was officially sold at the end of June for $112,000.00 and Rev. and Mrs. Babstock and family purchased their own home at 31 Meadowbrook Drive in Pembroke. A new building project was undertaken to allow handicap access and the doorway at the Fellowship Hall entrance was changed to include a ramp and the minister’s office was moved to allow a washroom to be put in on the main floor with wheelchair access. The project cost was $44,957.75. A government grant of $21,000.00 was received leaving Zion’s share $23,957.75 which was covered in the special offerings to the Building Fund.

The new decade, 1990 saw 23 books donated to the Library by Larry Grahl and dedicated on May 13th in honour of his parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. Also this year Bibles and Bible Racks were placed in the church Sanctuary by members of the congregation through donations in memory of loved ones.

1991 was memorable for several reasons. The church purchased a new Rodgers Essex Series 645 organ, a dual function instrument – electronic with a pipe division being available. The cost of this was again covered by donations from the congregation. This was installed for our Easter service. An organ recital and hymn sing featuring Mark Moss and Lori Weisenberg-Moss was held on November 17th with a large attendance enjoying the variety of music.

Also in 1991 the Official Board decided it was time to replace the oil furnace since it was a very old heating system and parts were now very hard to get. The Board agreed to go with a gas furnace and gas water heater to save some heating expense. Another important event in 1991 was the celebration of 25th anniversary of the Ordination of our minister, Rev. Roy Babstock. A surprise luncheon was held in his honour following the service of the combined congregations, Zion and Mount Zion on June 16th. Many friends and family were present from out of town as well as from other congregations.

In November of 1992 a Lectern Light was donated and dedicated and new Altar drapes in the new Advent colour of “blue” for Hope were dedicated. Also, during the Official Board meeting in November, the decision was approved to have the remaining pipes for the organ installed. Again, the congregation’s support was tremendous.

1993 was an anxious year for our congregation. Rev. Babstock was hospitalized in February in the Ottawa Heart Institute in February which led to a heart transplant operation for him at the end of May. His recovery was miraculous and he began coming back to work (for coffee) in the fall. He officially took over his duties again the beginning of December. Rev. Wesley Mitchell, a retired minister living in Cobden was kind enough to fill in during this illness and his ministry was very much appreciated.

Renfrew Presbytery hosted the Bay of Quinte Conference in Pembroke on June 4 – 6th. 1993 marked the 25th Anniversary of the union of the Evangelical United Brethren congregations with the United Church of Canada. At the 107th Anniversary service on October 25th, the large pipes and “Dove” were dedicated. A decision had been made to update our public address system and the fund raising began

In 1994 there was a little problem with the church broadcasts: the radio station felt that we were not reaching enough people that warranted keeping these on air on Sunday mornings, but after many petitions and phone calls from all churches involved and many others, the church broadcasts continued.

A Pastoral Care Team was introduced as a support for the minister in his visitation of shut-ins as well as any members of the congregation who needed support. A newsletter called “Zion’s Call” was begun during the fall. During the late winter a new Ministry and Personnel Committee was recruited and training began in mid-March, upgrading and learning United Church procedures. The Presbytery Support Team visited in the fall.

In 1995 new windows were installed on the east side of the building. A wall to wall carpet was installed in the choir dressing room and the new sound system was finally installed. The sound system in the Fellowship Hall was rebuilt. The shingles on the roof over the Sanctuary were replaced as well as aluminum trim on all wood soffits around the church area.

In June of 1996 our Organist-Choir Director of 40 years retired. A search committee was formed to replace her and Pam McNeil was hired in this position. Upon retirement of our Cemetery Caretaker, Garry Krieger took his place as the new caretaker. A special guest appearance at our Palm Sunday service by “Frodo”, donkey of Kathleen and Henry Verschelden, symbolized Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. During the year the wiring was replaced in the church ceiling. The sound system was upgraded. The following ministers have served as pastors of the congregation: 1886-88 Rev. Fred Meyer 1888-91 Rev. C. F. Braun 1891-94 Rev. D. Rieder 1894-97 Rev. C. Bolander 1897-99 Rev. J. Wilhelm 1899-1903 Rev. H. A. Thomas 1903-07 Rev. J. G. Burn 1907-11 Rev. A Geiger 1911-16 Rev. Fred Meyer 1916-23 Rev. W. M. Sippell 1923-28 Rev. A. E. Pletch 1928-35 Rev. W. O Hayne 1935-41 Rev. L. H. Pletch 1941-47 Rev. A. S. Caughill 1947-52 Rev. E. N. Mohr 1952-57 Rev. J. B. Dahms 1957-59 Rev. H. L. Brox 1959-65 Rev. E. E. Pletch 1965-79 Rev. J. H. Getz 1979-84 Rev. J. A. May 1985-97 Rev. L. Roy Babstock 1997-98 Rev. Wes Mitchell 1998-2009 Rev. Ed McCaig 2009 – 2010 Rev. Dave Bauman 2010 - Rev. Dr. Daniel Hansen