Zion Lutheran Church (Baltimore, Maryland) facts for kids
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Zion Lutheran Church
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Zion Lutheran Church in 2009
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| Location | 400 East Lexington Street,(original bldg. facing North Gay Street), City Hall/War Memorial Plaza, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202 |
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| Built | 1807-08 (original church, 1912-13 (western addition - "Aldersaal" [Parish House], Bell Tower, Parsonage, Gardens) |
| Architect | Strobel, Johann and Saumening, Henry |
| Architectural style | Georgian/Federal era - original church North German Hanseatic - western addition |
| NRHP reference No. | 11000960 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 30, 2011 |
Zion Lutheran Church, also called the Zion Church of the City of Baltimore, is a very old and important Lutheran church in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It was started way back in 1755.
Contents
A Look at Zion Church's History
Starting the Church
The church community, called a congregation, began in 1755. It was created to help German immigrants who came to Baltimore. It also helped Germans from Pennsylvania who moved there.
Speaking Two Languages
This church is special because it offers sermons in two languages. You can hear services in both German and English. This has been happening for over 250 years! Zion Church is the only church in Maryland that still has weekly German-language services.
Building the Church
In 1762, the church community built its first church building. It was located on Fish Street. Later, in 1807 and 1808, a bigger church was built. This new building, the one you see today, is on North Gay Street. It was built in a Gothic style.
Growing and Expanding
The church grew even more in 1912 and 1913. A new part was added to the west side. This included a "Parish House," a tall bell tower, and a parsonage (where the minister lives). There was also a lovely enclosed garden. This new section was designed in a North German style.
Changes Around the Church
In the late 1920s, the area around the church changed a lot. The whole block south of the church was cleared. This made space for a large public square. This square is known as War Memorial Plaza. It sits across from the Baltimore City Hall. A new building for the Baltimore City Fire Department was also built nearby.
Joining the National Register
Zion Church is a very important historical place. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. This list includes buildings and sites that are important to the history of the United States.
Famous People Connected to Zion Church
The well-known composer George Frederick Boyle was married at Zion Church.
See also
