Zion was founded and grew from pioneering settlers’ hunger for the Word of God in their new home. The William Riggert family settled south of Mitchell and wrote to their former congregation in Illinois, asking if a minister could be sent to undertake missionary work in the Mitchell area. In 1881, a minister from Chicago began to preach in the Mitchell area and slowly a Lutheran community was formed.

After over a decade of preaching and missionary work, the Lutheran mission was organized into Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church on November 27, 1892. Zion’s ministry in Mitchell continued to flourish and construction of our sanctuary was completed in 1953. Needing space for hospitality, discipleship, and outreach, we built our Ministry Center in 2025 to help even more people find refuge in Christ.

Since our founding, Zion has been served by 21 pastors and countless faithful lay men and women. Many things have changed in our church and community over the years, but one thing remains constant. We preach the pure Word of God and administer the Sacraments faithfully, dwelling in the grace of Jesus. For the growth and blessings we have received, we thank our gracious God!