The waves crashed against the Galveston shore a constant rhythm. This is Zion Retreat Center formerly Zion Lutheran Church. It stands as a testament to faith resilience and community.
Zion Lutheran Church a Swedish congregation first opened its doors in 1896. Imagine the bustling activity the hymns sung the prayers offered within these walls for nearly a century. Then Hurricane Ike struck in 2008. The storm’s fury left the church damaged its ministry forever changed. Three feet of water inundated the building. Yet the congregation didn’t give up. They repaired renovated and reopened in November 2009.
However the storm’s impact on Galveston was too great. The congregation couldn’t sustain its mission as a neighborhood church. They faced a difficult decision. They voted to dissolve in 2011. They sought a way to ensure their hard work and dedication wouldn’t be wasted. They made a decision that would transform Zion into something new.
In a unanimous vote Zion donated its assets to Lutherhill Ministries. This decision allowed their beloved church to continue serving the community albeit in a different capacity. Lutherhill Ministries a Gulf Coast Synod outdoor ministry assumed ownership in 2012. They transformed Zion into a retreat and conference center.
The renovation was completed in winter 2016. The Zion Retreat Center opened its doors for summer camps retreats family reunions and other events. It’s the only Christian retreat facility on Galveston Island a beacon of hope and renewal. The Zion Renewal Appeal raised $980,000 of its $1,000,000 goal funding renovations furnishings and the first year of operations. Pastor Lawrence Bade led a capital campaign and building program. This ensured the center’s construction was debt-free.
Today the Zion Retreat Center thrives. The center is perpetually full. Pastor Jen Kindsvatter added a personal touch. She decorated every room with historic photos and Scripture passages she painted. The center offers a place of peace community and faith a lasting legacy of the resilient spirit of Zion Lutheran Church and the generosity of its members. Their vision lives on through the waves of renewal that continue to shape the lives of those who find solace within its walls.