Doesn’t that bell tower make you curious? It is the restored bell tower of Mount Zion Lutheran Church. This church has a rich history in this community. Let’s dive into the story of Mount Zion Lutheran Church.
Mount Zion Lutheran Church’s story began in December 1945. Pastor Dwight H. Shelhart sought to gather people in Wauwatosa’s western area. The first worship service took place on December 30, 1945. It was held at Fisher School. The school was located on Highway 100 and North Avenue.
In April 1946, Mount Zion English Evangelical Lutheran Church was officially established. It started with 97 charter members at Fisher School. This location is now the Radisson Hotel.
The church grew quickly. In January 1948, the church purchased land at 120th and North Avenue for $3,500. By March 1950, the first building, now the Chapel, was dedicated.
The congregation continued to expand. Additional property was bought on 120th Street in 1956. A groundbreaking for a new sanctuary occurred in September 1957. The first service in the new sanctuary was held in December 1958.
Mount Zion Lutheran Church acquired more land west of the building in 1960. A groundbreaking for Christian Education addition was in May 1966. The new facilities were dedicated in November 1967. The sanctuary was remodeled at that time.
The church continued to improve its facilities over the years. More organ pipes were installed in 1995. New stained-glass windows were added at the south end in 1998. Originally there were only three windows. The sanctuary was recarpeted that year.
A major remodeling project began in September 2004. It included the administration area and new gathering space. A nursery, elevator, and upper room were added. The new space was dedicated in September 2005.
In June 2011, the Education Wing got a renovation. There was painting, carpeting, and theater installation. A WiFi system was installed in September 2012. In December 2012, a new sound system and video system were installed. These were added in the sanctuary, gathering space, and nursery. A new LED sign was installed in December 2013. Air conditioning was installed in the sanctuary in June 2014.
After over 20 years of silence, Mount Zion’s bell tower was restored in December 2015.
Many pastors have served Mount Zion Lutheran Church. James Bartsch was the first pastor. He served from 1946 to 1965. Many others followed. These included Duane Swenson, Ingolf B. Kindem, and Theodore Youngquist. More recent pastors include Gary Johnson and Steven & Deborah Ohrtman. Tyler D. Rasmussen became the senior pastor in 2020.
Mount Zion Lutheran Church has deep roots and a vibrant history. From its humble beginnings at Fisher School to its current location. Mount Zion has been a pillar of faith and community. It adapted and grown to meet the needs of its members. The restored bell tower stands as a symbol of its enduring spirit. It calls us to remember its past and embrace its future.