top of page

Zoar History

175 logo - background removed_edited.png

In 1875, a building on the present site of Zoar Lutheran was purchased and renovated into a white framed church. For many years, services were conducted primarily in German, but in the late 1800’s Zoar also began offering some worship services in English.

 

In 1917, a new brick church building was completed as the Zoar congregation continued to grow and serve their community.  During the 1920’s Zoar Lutheran made the final switch to English-only services and Zoar’s pastor, Rev. Peter Kluepfel, was instrumental in the formation of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) in 1930. In 1938, St. Paul’s in Maumee called its own full-time pastor and also joined the ALC.

 

Under the leadership of Rev. E. J. Melchert, Zoar’s membership continued to grow in size and in mission and then added an educational unit in 1951. To better meet the needs of the congregation and the community, an associate pastor joined Zoar in 1955. Then two years later, a second mission congregation, Lutheran Church of the Master, also in Perrysburg, was launched.

 

In 1976, to commemorate its 125th anniversary, Zoar Lutheran began Abundant Life, a facility that provides low-cost independent housing for senior citizens.

 

Rev. Timothy Philabaum became Zoar’s senior pastor in 1993 and oversaw the expansion and renovation of the sanctuary, as well as the addition of new classrooms, a commercial kitchen, the Family Life Center, and new administrative offices. In 2000, in honor of Zoar’s 150th anniversary, a second apartment building at Abundant Life was built.

 

Throughout its history, the congregation at Zoar Lutheran has been blessed by the leadership of wonderful laity and pastors. As we look forward to the future, we trust that God will continue to guide our ministry so that through our worship, our witness, and our outreach, we will proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ for many years to come. Discover Zoar and Be AmaZed!

George Cronenwett 1850-1859
A. Kleinegees 1859-1864
C.F. Kaeding 1864-1896
C.S. Ide 1896-1911
R. Dietz 1911-1915
Peter Kluepfel 1916-1944
E.J. Melchert 1944-1976
Robert M. Kramp 1955-1957
Harold Billnitzer 1958-1959
Quentin E. Battiste 1959-1970

Charles F. Melchert 1962
Charles R. Frederick 1964
Robert R. Rigg 1967

Thomas A. Wolfe 1970-1980
Charles E. Campbell 1975
Thomas V. Parrish 1978
Paul D. Winters 1980-1984

William H. Range 1980-1984

Timothy McDermott 1982

Marcus Grodi 1983

Louis W. Accola 1984-1992

Timothy P. Philabaum 1985-2021

Edward Battieste 1986

Rodney K. Haselhuhn 1987-1991

Paulette Stahlke 1993

James C. Wenger 1994-2006

Linda L. Anderson 1995

Lisa Bernheisel 2003

Anita L. Marshall 2007-2013
R. Michael Brown 2016-2019
Paul Reichert 2021-present

Melanie Forrey 2023-present

ABOUT US

At Zoar Lutheran Church, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone can find a sense of belonging and spiritual growth.  We GATHER in love, GROW in faith & connection, and GIVE as expressions of devotion.  Come & Be AmaZed! 

CONTACT US

419-874-4346

314 E Indiana Ave.

Perrysburg, OH 43551

 

Info@zoarlutheran.com

SUBSCRIBE FOR EMAILS

Stay up-to-date with all that is happening at Zoar! Sign up for our weekly Z-blast!

Stay up-to-date with all that is happening with Youth Ministries at Zoar!  Sign up for our monthly newsletter! 

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
inclusion heart (2)_edited.png

© 2035 by HARMONY. Powered and secured by Wix

Terms & conditions

Privacy policy

Accessibility statement

bottom of page