Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church came into being November 8, 1868 when forty-six men and their families separated from St. John Evanagelical Protestant Church for doctrinal reasons. Pastor F. Herold, who had been Pastor of St. John's Church, was elected temporary chairman and was also called to be the Pastor of the church on January 3, 1869. On June 10,1869, the cornerstone was laid during the service for the church building. Finally, on October 10, 1869 all was completed and the church was ready for dedication. Pastors from Red Bud, Belleville, Venedy, New Memphis and Washington County joined the procession to the new church.
Members sang "Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty" as they stood at the entrance of the church. After entering, the choir opened the service with "A Mighty Fortress is Our God."
Source: A Brief History of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mascoutah, IL 1868-1943
