"The Mission of Mount Zion is focused on supporting people in their faith journey with Christ at the center. This is accomplished by preaching God's crucifixion, teaching the Gospel and helping all members to witness God's grace in their daily lives. Mount Zion is a cornerstone of faith and a spiritual home for all who embrace God."

As the 250th anniversary of the founding of Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Long Lane Road, Krumsville, approached, the history committee began its research.

Chairpeople of the anniversary committees included Lorrie Arndt, cultural; April Osterstock, history; Sylvia Keller, music; Jeff Wetzel, publicity, Martin Billger, restoration and fundraising and Michelle Batz, worship.

By 1742 Count Nicholas Zinzendorf preached to the settlers from the balcony of Levan's Mill at Eaglepoint.

Parishioners decided a permanent church home was needed to preach the Word and administer the Sacraments, but construction was delayed by the French and Indian War. Work finally began in 1751 when the church members purchased four acres and two perches of land from George Kamp for 2 pounds, which was equal to $9.72.

The church cornerstone, which was rededicated March 17, was laid in May 1762.

Georg Kamp took a letter to the Rev. Melchior Muhlenberg requesting admission to the Synod and the service of the Rev. Johann Schaum as pastor.

The church, which was called the Stone Church, because most churches of the period were of wood, was consecrated on Oct. 3, 1762.

An additional 50 acres were purchased for $243, to be used for school purposes. A second church on the site, which took five months to build, was completed in October.

In 1844, the congregation became a Union Church with the Reformed members, who had been attending under a continually renewed permission.

The Reformed members paid $100 annually toward upkeep of the church.

The church's 100th anniversary was celebrated in 1862, and 20 years later the building was remodeled, with a steeple and bell added.

In February 1923, the old church was razed by a professional using dynamite. The steeple fell within 6 inches of where it was wanted.

A new cornerstone was placed and the basement was excavated with pick and shovel. Some of the stones were used to build the basement walls of the new church.

During construction, services were held in the one-room school across the street.

The name for the new church was Mount Zion, taken from Psalms 48:2, "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion … the city of the great King."

Jeff Wetzel continued the story: The Rev. James R. Hammond leads the church during its 250th anniversary. Some of the items placed in the cornerstone are known to have been damaged. Those that remain in good condition will be returned with new items.

Pauline Berlin made a colonial-style dress to wear during the celebration.

Blair Free said the challenge is for the next 250 years to keep up the membership, make wise use of resources, including all members and to maintain the church in its mission.

Martin Billger is fundraising for new stained glass windows. Sharon Billger said they have raised $15,000. After the windows, the next major item is a new furnace. Fundraisers include selling ham sandwiches, Christmas tree ornaments, a cookie sale, soup sale and a nut sale.

Wetzel said if they rebuild again he would be against so much stained glass but that is beautiful when the sun is shining. The frames that have been replaced will be stained to match the wood around them.

April Osterstock made a PowerPoint presentation to be used on the 17th and for purchase: DVDs about the church.

In November the congregation went to the Virginville Grange for a celebratory banquet.

A Praise Band was started a year ago as the church moves toward some contemporary services.

The oldest member is Lester Miller, 89, drummer, who dances with the kids, and the youngest is 34.

Members are Sharon Billger, tambourine; Jeff Wetzel, Linda Grim, and Blair Free singers; and Vickie Free, on keyboard.

Every year there is a Summer Fest. Funds raised are given to another organization. There is music and food in the picnic grove.

A Rock-a-thon raised $1,417 and went to the Lutheran World Relief Fund for goats, a heifer, four quilts, two chickens and a water purifier, and to the Pit Bulls and Parolees program.

The Mount Zion Women's Group held a fashion show with clothing from a used-clothing shop, and a Mother-Daughter tea was held.

The Mount Zion Senior Friends and Red Hats both meet at the church. Vacation Bible School will have a Western theme this year and is open to nonmembers.

An egg hunt is held for little kids and a gift card hunt for adults. One year a gift card was found in a bird's nest, said Wetzel.

A planned use is to open the church to people in case of emergencies.

The church choir has a sister church at Flossberg, Germany. Sharon Billger visited last year.

It began when Don Lauer and his wife served as a host home when youth came from Germany. It made them aware of the Flossberg Church, which is in Saxony.

The cemetery is owned by the Mount Zion Cemetery Association. It has burials dating to the 1700s.

The church bell was rung 250 times in December 2011 to kickoff the celebration and 251 times in December 2012.