Zion Lutheran Church
This location is about as remote as it gets. We’re in Western Saskatchewan, here specifically part of “Census Division #8” (imaginative name), a broad expanse of prairie, a place that never was home to that many people. Picture gently rolling fields of grain that go on forever, a dusty road that sees little traffic, broad open skies and wispy clouds, and the occasional farm here and there far off in the distance. There you have it.
Except at one lonely crossroad, one that looks much like every other in the vast Township grid system that covers the province, a little building is seen. This is Zion Lutheran Church, close to falling down, near gone, soon to be no more, a sad pathetic jumble of rotted wood that was once a glorious temple to God. It stands there, forlorn, among tall grasses bending in the breeze, its only visitors, the odd passer-by. Otherwise silence rules here. At times it’s overpowering.
The church dates from 1919-1920, the cemetery being established some years prior. This was concurrent with the region being opened up for general settlement. People here had roots in German speaking parts of Russia and came in from the old country directly or by way of the Dakotas in the United States. Services were held in the mother tongue. Grave markers reflect that and none appear to show any English lettering.
Zion Lutheran relied on a “travelling pastor” to officiate. A fellow like this would oversee the goings-on at several small country churches, bouncing between them as needed. Services here were once every second week while the weather was good, but come the depths of winter the place was completely closed. Sunday school took place before regular services. The building also saw its share of weddings, funerals, Christmas services and stuff like that.
The building it pretty typical in form and looks much like every other small country church out there (regardless of denomination). It’s long and rectangular with a small entry room. It’s not clear if there was a steeple or bell tower – didn’t see one in any old photos we found. Humble in form there’s a row of arch windows that once held stained glass. Interestingly the back wall is canted in form and not simply squared away as would be expected. Nice touch. The front door faces directly east. Facilities are “out back”. It’s a two-seater.
Early in Zion’s history a rift took place between members of the congregation. Starting as a disagreement, the tensions built and soon on a breakaway group left, going on to built their own church, Evangelical United, just west down the road (no longer there). I think they were close enough to be within sight of each other. Did a little pre-service fist shaking go on every Sunday morn? In the direction of that “other” church?
Zion remained in use until 1950 when declining membership forced its closure. It was kept up for a time then simply abandoned.
Time has taken its toll, the weather too. Those tough Saskatchewan winters are murder! Pigeons sure make a mess. And the collective of bad guys we call vandals, pickers and souvenir takers, they’ve made sure every last thing inside (organ, altar, pews) was swiped and any glass broken. Open to the elements for so long, it’s failing at an accelerated rate and it won’t be long before it completely collapses (photos from the 1980s show it looking fairly solid). Rumours suggest it might get bulldozed even before it falls. Either way, there’s little time left. We’ll be sad when its gone.
The cemetery, on the north side of the building, has some twenty plus interments. Most lack any markers. The first person buried on the grounds was in 1912, the most recent, 1950. Most are from the early days however. Far too many were young children or even babies…sadly we see this a lot in pioneer cemeteries where just being born was sometimes a death sentence. All the headstones look to be in German. Some are so faded or worn however that they’re hard to read. Many common family names show up in the records. Many farmers in the area today are related to those same folks buried here.
An old wood cross that once stood on the grounds leans against the front entry of the church. A modern metal sign replaced it and looks out to the road. No traffic here, so few see it.
The Lutheran Church in Canada goes back hundreds and hundreds of years although it was not often seen in the west until the early 1900s, and even then only in certain localized areas. Brought over by settlers who came in from Germany or places with a heavy German influence. Today it’s practised by some couple hundred thousands folks across the country, in three distinct sub-groups…in size, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Lutheran Church–Canada and Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregations.
The name Zion refers to the city of Jerusalem, of course, an important religious centre. Many Lutheran churches use this name it seems.
Zion Lutheran has this charm and a quiet dignity that belies its decrepit state. The old building all leaning and falling in, that rugged cross, the gravestones in back, the sun setting behind, it couldn’t be a better subject photographically. It’d be hard to take a bad picture here. Heck, a monkey couldn’t take a bad picture here. In the end however pics are secondary…we came for the history. Hope it’s been a good read. We’ve been vague in regards to some aspects of its history and its location which is done to protect it from further damage by those looking for trouble.
We’ve been on a church kick…
Sacred Heart.
Spaca Moskalyk Church.
St Henry’s Catholic Church Twin Butte.
If you wish more information on what you’ve seen here, by all means contact us!
Date: October, 2016.
Location: Division No. 8, SK.
Article references (and thanks): Local History Books, Elmer Bertsch, Elva Bertsch (both posthumously), Jason Sailer.
Please show the church and cemetery grounds respect if you visit.
Nicely done photos of church we all love. My family farm is a few miles east and I have relatives from many generations ago that went there. We have an ongoing problem with photographers trespassing onto our property to view the old family barn. A self described “famous Saskatchewan photographer” (name removed) who we’ve repeatedly told to keep away keeps posting photos online of the barn. We never game him permission to come on to our property. The disrespect has my wife in tears and we just want to be left alone.
There’s that big “elephant in the room” that is rarely addressed. We’ve heard from many rural folk who’ve had encounters with this same photographer, whose level of selfish entitlement seems to know no bounds. He’s not getting called out (and this forum is NOT the place) but perhaps should be and so continues doing as he always does. If all land owners started reporting him, it might force his hand. His readers might be ignorant of the going’s on, but if they knew, they might help set things straight as well. Call the RCs and make a report, so he’s on notice. Sigh, I know not the solution.
Thank you.
It was a pleasure to chat.
I am so curious to know why one grave, with Muller on it is all by itself. These are beautiful pictures.
(Sorry for the delay in approving – we’re just recovering from a huge comment’s system crash.)
Glad you like them! Hard to say, but perhaps it was a family plot kind of thing. Sometimes where you will be buried can be prearranged.
Wow, very haunting.
Thank you, it is such a special place.
Been visiting Zion for years and these are some amazing photos!
We’re at best clumsy photographers, but we liked what we got here!
Lv!!!! I’ve seen all the photos of this church from Chris Attrel, Ryan Wunsch, Robert Scott. You’re in their league now. And you add a backstory!
Our greatest strength, we believe, lies in our writing, that back story you mention. That’s the steak to the potatoes. Still, every now and then, and we state this humbly, we knock one out of the park photo wise. But that’s the exception and not the rule. While we’re flattered to be compared to these guys, all who we know to one degree or another, that’s not the reality of it. We document the stuff well (we hope), but they shoot good stuff.
I absolutely LOVE this picture!! The one with the church and the bow in the roof and the sun in the background. It epitomizes old age and the weary back and God watching over in the background, ready to take it home.
This place is sure something special. It’s so beaten and weathered, yet peaceful. Yes, it’s ready to be called home.
More of your amazing work. Wonderful photos!!
We love what we do, and I guess it shows. We are inspired by the world around us.
I love the simple architecture of this church. A wonderful place to go worship in in its prime. Happy Sunday to you Chris and Connie!
Agreed, it must have been wonderful. Happy Wednesday, back at you.
(via Facebook)
Great shots of this picturesque little church! I love your blog and the history you share!
You are most welcome! And it is such a nice little church.
Beautiful light and great composition!
Mother nature and the fine subject deserve most of the credit. We’re just monkeys with cameras who get lucky at times.
It’s stunning, but so sad to see this church in this state.
Very sad to see ‘er go.
Great shots! Well done and well found. Wish I were there.
Allan, you know you’re always welcome to tag along.
(He’s a fine photographer in his own right.)
(via Facebook)
WOW beautiful old church.
We’ve seen our share and this one stands out a extra special. Thanks for commenting!
Great pictures!! I have been there too…
Awesome place, yeah? Of course it is!
What gorgeous shots!
Coming from you…well…we’re blushing.
(Shaun is very accomplished abandoned stuff photographer).
(via Facebook)
Another cool location. You guys got good eyes for finding them.
We’re pretty good at it. Takes hard work and such, but it’s worth it. The results are an inspired write up and good accompanying images.
This is really nice!
And we’re happy to share it with you!
The composition and lighting in your shots are perfect!
Thank you, even a monkey (so your’s truly) with a camera can get the occasional stunner. Even I was happy with the pics.
What a gorgeous and unique little church for a very tiny congregation.
It’s so very special, isn’t it? Thanks for commenting!
Really nice photos and story! Such a lonely beautiful place.
Thank you for taking the time to read the post. You are spot on, what a place.
(via Facebook)
I love this church! Great capture!
Thanks, glad you enjoy our site.
Shared to Ghost Town Hunters!
Thank you, as always, saw the spike in traffic.
Needs some TLC!
A coat of paint and she’s good as new.
Sooooooo amazing beautiful lovely!
Inspiring is a good word too. Simply inspiring.
(via Facebook)
Beautiful. Wish I could hang with you two.
Drop us a line. We always love to collaborate.
(via Facebook)
I might have to venture across the eastern border this summer in search of “newer” stuff.
You may not want to go back. So much out that way!
Awesome pictures Chris and Connie, nice creativity on your shots.
Thanks, the subject gets all the credit. We just happened to be there at the right moment.
That lead sunset photo is just spectacular.
Beautiful decay.
Thanks Steve. We’ve never really considered ourselves photographers, even though a camera is a big part of what we do, but it’s nice to knock one out of the park once in a while. Thanks a million for commenting!
Excellent article and beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing this special place with us.
You are most welcome! It’s a very inspiring little building and we’re glad you liked this post.
Visited your site. Amazing! Always wanted to visit up north. My bucket list is huge! Keep up the good work.