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. Services were conducted in both German and English, reaching out to people of a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

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 grow and flourish and construction of our current church building began in 1952.
Then, on a day of great celebration, July 12, 1953, the congregation closed the doors of the old church for the last time and walked together in procession to officially open the new church. Our sanctuary’s beautiful stained glass windows that chronicle the church year were installed in 1963.

In 2016, our church identified the need for a larger and more accessible space for hospitality, education, and outreach. We began working on a plan and our Ministry Center was dedicated in March 2025. With the additional space, our church hosts a variety of ministries to help others in Mitchell 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 Christ and help others to find refuge in Him. For the growth and blessings we have received, we thank our gracious God!