A Church for the Past, Present and Future

Zion Lutheran is celebrating 225 years of being a vital part of the community.

In the late 1700s, some German immigrants came to our area because of the fertile land for farming. They settled in a part of Surgeon Hall that is present-day Whitehall. There was no local Lutheran church, so the settlers traveled 17 miles to Washington, PA in order to attend services—a serious distance in horse and buggy days.

Eventually they built their own church, which was a simple log structure measuring 28 x 32 ft., organized under the first pastor Johannes Stauch in 1800. It was called the West Salem Congregation and all services were conducted in German. In 1852, those who wanted to worship in English split away from the congregation and established their own church.

In 1872 the West Salem Congregation officially became Zion Lutheran Church. Finally in 1900, Zion held its first services in English. The original log structure had been followed by a wooden frame building, and later a brick structure. The beautiful stone church we recognize today was built in 1955 and cost a whopping $450,000—an amazing figure when compared to today’s prices where a private home may easily cost that much and more.

In 1966, the church began an innovative program called “Listening Ear,” which offered a 24-hour telephone counseling service that remained active for almost 10 years. During its time, more than 50,000 calls were answered!

Zion was always willing to try new things to serve the community, and in 1974, a colorful pastor named Paul F. Gysan became involved in a clown ministry and went by the name V.I.P. (Vulnerable, Imaginative, Playful). It was a unique way of sharing the Gospel, with visits to nursing homes and holding events.

Today, Zion Lutheran is still reaching out to the community in various ways. It hosts a Vacation Bible School each year, open to any children in the community and completely free.

The music ministry has a voice choir and bell teams that have performed at libraries, South Hills Village Mall, Christmas services and Brentwood’s Light Up Night.

Zion’s ministry also helps those in the community in need, with grocery store gift cards distributed throughout multiple local municipalities. It participates in supporting Meals on Wheels, school lunch programs, and the Light of Life Mission. The church also provides disaster relief kits, offers free clothing to community members in need, and helps both students and adults in need of financial support.

Current pastor Mathew Magera believes that its mission has always been to serve the flock, with whatever the needs are. “It was not by chance that the church was placed here in this area. We’ve been going strong for 225 years because we’ve focused on the primary reason we’re here—our Lord and Savior Jesus.”

The future for Zion Lutheran may well be summed up by a quote from its past. Rev. C.B. Sheatsley wrote a book, “The History of Zion’s Lutheran Congregation,” in 1906. He concluded his book with the following:

“And now what of the future? What will the next hundred years bring forth? Yes, dear reader, God only knows. Let us not trouble ourselves with that, we are too busy with the present. But as we look up from our work, it would seem that Zion has a bright future.”

Zion Lutheran is holding an anniversary celebration on Aug. 24. For more information, visit zlcbrentwood.org.

The third church, the “red brick church” (1906-1954).

Zion’s second church, the “frame church” (1836-1906).

The congregation’s first pastor, Johannes Stauch, serving from 1800-1809.

Demolition of the red brick church in order to construct the current church building (1954).