Zion Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church

Zion Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chicago first met in February 1891, as members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church began a Sunday School in a building at the corner of Washtenaw Avenue and Crystal to serve Norwegian residents east of Humboldt Park. Through a loan from the Church Extension fund of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, lots and a two-story brick dwelling were purchased at the rear of the property at the corner of Dania Avenue (now Artesian Ave.) and Potomac Avenue. The house was used for services until the chapel (pictured above) fronting on Artesian Avenue was completed in February 1892. The congregation was officially organized on February 15, 1892.

In 1898 the chapel and parsonage were torn down, with the materials used to erect a new house at the rear of the property. A new church building was started and the basement was completed in 1899. The upper section (pictured below) was completed in 1902.

Around 1909 Zion operated a mission at Ballou Street and Wabansia Avenue, and in 1912 one at Pierce and St. Louis Avenues. Both were discontinued from a lack of funds.

In 1912 the congregation decided to sell their church property to a Jewish congregation and move to the Logan Square neighborhood, where many Scandinavian residents had relocated The last service at the old location was held in February 1913, after which the Humboldt Park Parish House at California and LeMoyne Avenues and a store at 3749 W. Fullerton Avenue was used until a new building could be constructed.

A lot was purchased at the southeast corner of Lawndale and Belden Avenues, at 2255 N. Lawndale Ave., and ground was broken in May 1913. The dedication of the new building (pictured below) took place on February 15, 1914.

English services were introduced in 1900. Norwegian-language ones were discontinued around 1952.

On at least five occassions, Zion considered merger with other neighboring Lutheran congregations, but did not complete any of these.

From 1891-1892 Rev. Nils Arveson also served Salem Lutheran, while from 1973-1978 Rev. John S. Harder also served First Lutheran of Logan Square.

Original records
The original record books should be located at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2255 N. Lawndale Ave., Chicago, IL 60647. There has been no microfilm produced from Zion's records. The ELCA Archives has congregational histories and other materials relating to Zion.

Sources
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 Years of Mission and Ministry, 1992.