Our story

In 1889 services were conducted in the District #59 School House.

On February 18, 1899, Zion Lutheran Church of Brighton Township was organized with ten voting members.

On July 1, 1899, a modified church building was dedicated on land, donated by Mr. William Gieseke.

In 1904, Mr. Ludwig (Louis) Fluegge donated land for the cemetery.

Since 1889, we have had twenty-two pastors with the help from many neighboring congregations – Winthrop, Essig, Immanuel of Courtland, and New Ulm. Plus help from many professors from Martin Luther College.

Since 1937, we have shared a pastor with Courtland Village Lutheran Church.

The church added twelve feet in 1921, and the schoolhouse in 1924. In 1948 a full basement was put underneath the church and included an automatic furnace. Full plumbing and kitchen were completed after the basement was added.

A vacant house was bought for a parsonage in 1904. The house was raised to put a full basement under it in 1948. The house was added on to and remodeled in 1953, including a new furnace.

In the 1940’s by-laws were written in English. In 1947, the Ladies Aid was started with sixteen members. In 1949, Young People and Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School were all started.

Eleven members of Zion Lutheran Church have gone on to become parochial school teachers.

We are part of the WELS Synod who believe that the Bible is the true word of God and trust in the triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.