Proclamation
City of El Paso, Texas
Whereas, Zion Lutheran Church was organized in 1898 under the leadership of Rev. Huebotter and a small group of dedicated members, meeting in various locations in Downtown El Paso before constructing its first church building in 1900 on San Antonio St.; and
Whereas, Zion Lutheran Church quickly became a place of worship that also served numerous soldiers deployed to Fort Bliss, drawing so many people that they began plans to dedicate a new building and property to accommodate this growing number of attendees; and
Whereas, in October of 1922 the cornerstone was laid for a new building for Zion Lutheran Church to call home and dedicated less than a year later in January of 1923 and the year 2023 will mark the 100th anniversary of the sanctuary itself: and
Whereas, El Pasoans not only gathered at Zion Lutheran Church for worship and growth in their Christian faith, providing chaplain services in the early years of Thomason Hospital, provided services to Deming, New Mexico, and started working with businesses, governments, nonprofits, hospitals, and schools, eventually becoming the mother church of Lutheran congregations throughout El Paso, New Mexico, and Ciudad Juarez; and
Whereas, we give pause, honor, and praise this day for the deep and abiding commitment of those, who in faith, began this work, and for all those who have given so unselfishly during these many years to help this church grow and thrive, and provide valuable human services where the need was great; and
Whereas, the City of El Paso expresses best wishes to the members of Zion Lutheran Church as they are the oldest entity in Five Points with 125 years of service to the El Paso community;
Now, Therefore, Be It Proclaimed: by the Mayor and Council of the City of El Paso that December 31, 2023, shall be known as:
“ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH DAY”.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the official seal of the City of El Paso to be affixed this 31 day of December A.D., 2023
Mayor Oscar Leeser
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