Zion Lutheran celebrates 275th anniversary
SPRING CITY » Zion Lutheran Church, Route 724 and Bonnie Brae Road, has celebrated its 275th anniversary as a congregation. The Reverend Claire S. Burkat, Bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, officiated along with Pastor Paul Townsend at the service. Bishop Burkat spoke of Zion’s long history being founded before the American Revolution; caring for Revolutionary soldiers from the Battle of Brandywine and Valley Forge, and being the very first Chester County church in 1791 to have a pipe organ built by the famous David Tannenberg.
The congregation was entertained with a musical performance of “No Weapon” by the Silver Springs Martin Luther School Choir. Other musical selections featured the Bell Choir, an anthem by the combined choirs with instrumental accompaniment and selections played on the historic Tannenberg organ. The honored guest was The Reverend Doctor Kenneth Nelson who served as Zion’s pastor for 22 years.
Twelve new families were welcomed as members of Zion. Also recognized were this year’s recipients of the Richard G. Nelson Award. Honored for their many years of service to the church and community were Betsy and Roger Batten and Shawn Rogers.
A catered luncheon followed the service. Attending were state Representatives Becky Corbin, R155th, and Tim Hennessey, R-26th; and Sen. John Rafferty, R-44th and U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-PA 6th. Pastor Townsend was presented with special citations from the state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. A letter of commendation from U.S. Sen. Bob Casey was read.
Anniversary events are scheduled for the entire year. A new commemorative quilt has been crafted and hung. The restored 1861 Moravian style tower has been dedicated.