125th Anniversary Celebration

125th Anniversary Celebration

Zion Mennonite Church has its origins in 1885.  It is a time when Mennonites in the Shenandoah Valley are engaged in rebuilding after the effects of the Civil War.  In the political history of the United States, Chester Arthur (1881-1885) and Grover Cleveland (1885-1889) serve the country as presidents.  Eastern Mennonite School and Virginia Mission Board did not exist.  Sunday school at Zion Mennonite Church occurred as a summer event in 1890.  Needless to say, the beginning of Zion Mennonite Church is very different than the current practices and life of its members.  At the same time there is recognition that vision, the practices, and values of its members have common threads even though the forms of ministry have evolved through various generations.

May 30, 2010 was the 125th anniversary of the dedication of the meetinghouse.  This is an event that was celebrated through a year-long celebration by the congregation with the grand finale on May 23, 2010.

An article written by Mandi Stoltzfus tells the story:  “Zion Celebrates 125 Years.”

The celebration concluded on Sunday, September 12 when Ervin Stutzman, Executive Director for MC USA,  brought the morning worship service message, “Projecting the Future, 2035” – 150th anniversary.

The book, We’re Marching to Zion, written by Elwood Yoder is available for $10.00.  Contact the Zion church office at 896-7577 or office@zmcva.org if you are interested in purchasing a copy.

125 Anniversary Video Presentation

Clay Showalter produced the following video, “This is Zion”, which explores the Zion of today by hearing from several current members and attenders.