The windows were donated by members.
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| Donated by Sunday School | |
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| Donated by M. Kuhl and wife | |
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| Donated by Fischer Family | |
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| Donated by W.J Martens & Wife | |
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| Donated by D.F. Nulle |
Until January 1, 1918, Zion Lutheran Church received financial aid in the form of subsidies from the Iowa District. This money, thousands of dollars over the course of time, enabled the congregation to pay the pastor's salary. However, at a meeting held January 1, 1918, the congregation resolved to take over the complete support of the pastor.
At the same meeting it was resolved to purchase additional ground adjoining the west side of the church to build a larger church. A house located next to the church was then purchased for $5,500.00 for use as the church parsonage.
In 1920 plans for a new church began. Members of the building committee were: Fred Fischer, John Reetz, John Sonksen, W.J. Martens, Fred Rutz, Jacob Fielweber, O.A. Borkowski, and Pastor Ansorge.
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| Donated by Sunday School | |
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| Donated by M. Kuhl and wife | |
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| Donated by Fischer Family | |
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| Donated by W.J Martens & Wife | |
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| Donated by D.F. Nulle |
Hannes Hass received the contract to build the church for the sum of $28,728.00. The 36x70' building was to include a chancel and a small vestibule.
The Walther League collected $2,550.00 for a pipe organ. Much of the furniture was purchased by various societies and individual members of Zion donated beautiful stained-glass windows. On June 5, 1921, the church was dedicated to the service of the Triune God.
Depression and retrogression followed. With a debt of $12,000.00 remaining after the dedication, the congregation inaugurated an annual Harvest Festival.
In the fall of each year, Harvest Festival was celebrated in gratitude for the blessings of God upon Zion and some of the blessings received were returned to help reduce Zion's debt. Over time, the debt was paid and a savings of $14,000.00 was put aside for enlargement and remodeling of the church as the congregation had grown to such an extent that more room was absolutely necessary.
During the mid-1920s large numbers of adults began to take instruction and join the congregation through confirmation. Classes of 30 and 40 attended instruction and in 1927, 64 people were confirmed into the Lutheran faith.
Zion's history recognizes a man by the name of Christian Hollander for being instrumental in bringing many people to the knowledge of their Savior, Jesus Christ in the late 1920s.
Hollander, a member of Zion, came to Pastor Ansorge and asked him if he would open a Sunday School in the Hannes Schroeder school which had just been constructed. It was determined that 35 children would attend the new school in the fall. Hollander had already spoken to the parents of the children and the parents were willing to send children to Sunday instruction.
With the assistance of some willing girls, a Sunday School began with attendance of 35 children. Only a few weeks later the older brothers and sisters, the fathers, mothers and grandparents were instructed and confirmed in the faith. Several large classes were also eventually instructed in Aspinwall, Iowa.
As a result of Christian Hollander's simple, mission-minded service to his Lord, several hundred adults were brought to faith in Jesus.
The conversion from German church services to English services was gradual. Records indicate that in 1949 one service per month was given in German, and in 1955 the German services were discontinued. The language transition was clearly a challenge which faced Pastor Ansorge. Regarding the transition he said, "I had difficulty at first, introducing English services to the church. One Christmas when we tried it, only three people showed up."
By 1949 the Sunday School had grown to such an extent that instruction could no longer be given effectively in the crowded basement of the church. George Spooner, an architect from Des Moines, was engaged to prepare plans for enlarging and remodeling the church.
Members of this building committee were W.J. Kruse, George Mohr, Jacob Fielweber, Herman Sonksen, Barney Neubaum, Herman Frahm, H.P. Hansen, Art Fielweber, Alfred Kuhl and Pastor Ansorge. Contractor for the project was Herb Hass.
It was resolved to build 10x70' wings on both sides of the basement which would provide eight separate classrooms, an enlarged kitchen, a ladies restroom. Additionally, a part of the front of the church was removed and a 14x28' addition was built to provide more seating and a spacious lobby.
The basement was lengthened by 12 feet, a restroom for men was added, and on the southwest corner an enclosed entrance and vestry were added, complete with stairway to the basement. The basement floor was covered with asbestos tile and classrooms were divided by modern-fold doors.
A new Mohler Pipe Organ was installed and a set of Schulmerich Carillon Bells was purchased.
A new oil furnace was purchased and new lighting was installed. The aisles of the church were carpeted and a beautiful round rose window was mounted on the front of the church adding great beauty to the structure.
At the congregational annual meeting held January 7, 1951, the members of Zion voted to change the name of the church from the First German Evangelical Lutheran Zion Congregation of Manning, Iowa, to Zion Lutheran Church, Manning, Iowa - Missouri Synod.
On June 3, 1951, Zion held a three-fold celebration. Praises were lifted to God for the 50th anniversary of the church, the 30th anniversary of the church building, and the completion of the massive remodeling project. During the course of the day five church services were held at Zion. One service was given in German.
On September 5, 1954, Pastor J.M. Ansorge observed his 50th anniversary as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Manning. His sons, Rev. Karl Ansorge and Rev. Max Ansorge, were guest preachers for the anniversary celebration. Three worship services were held, one offered in German.
About this same time, the congregation resolved to call a second pastor. Pastor George Eschenbacher arrived from Paullina, Iowa, to be installed as co-pastor on October 3, 1954. Less than a year later the Lord called Pastor Ansorge from his earthly life and Zion, once again, had one pastor.
To assist in the administration of Zion's ministry in Manning, a number of parish and workers were engaged. Those servants included Delores Winterhoff, parish worker from December 1955 to November 1957; Joan Jensen, Deaconess from September 1958 to August 1959; Vicar Robert Tewes from September 1959 to August 1960; Vicar James Murray from September 1960 to August 1961; Vicar Dwight Weber from September 1962 to August 1963; and Vicar Garry Dassow from August 1963 to August 1964.
The love of God continued to add to the membership of the Zion congregation. In order to provide facilities for the growing Sunday School attendance a house, located directly behind the church, was purchased. It was during the nine-year pastorate of Pastor Eschenbacher that Zion continued to outgrow its space and look for answers. After studying and planning it was determined necessary to build a new house of worship.
A tract of land in South Manning was selected and purchased from Gerald Grundmeier in 1959. On April 24, 1960, the congregation resolved to erect the present church.
The Griffith Company, architects from Fort Dodge, were engaged to draw up plans for the structure. Members of the building committee were: William Ohde, Willis Puck, Lester Rowedder, Merle Stoelk, John Weible and Hugo Wilhelm.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on May 25, 1961. Hass Construction Company was awarded the general contract for the $280,000.00 church.
The new brick structure was designed to provide facilities for worship, education and fellowship for the ever-growing membership. The contemporary architecture was said to "emphasize the Gospel of Christ in a space age." The Trinitarian symbols on the exterior of the church mark it as a church of the Triune God. The large gold cross on the front panel, as well as a large cross in the tower are said to "proclaim Christ crucified for the world." The space needle above the tower, with the cross on its pinnacle points to the need of the Gospel in a space age.
The original altar was round and constructed in black walnut, as was the communion rail. The contemporary design was carried out in the upholstered pews.