During the Civil War days of 1862, Rev. W. C. Seaman was successful in organizing a small group of the community into a congregation. Services were held in a hall above the W. Wise drug store. After a short time the pastor resigned, and the small congregation was without a pastor until 1865. At that time Rev. O. Occola re-organized the group, and during the following year the site of the present church building was purchased. The first building a modest frame structure, was erected at this time. Although the congregation was without a pastor at several intervals during succeeding years, there was sufficient interest to keep the congregation intact. From 1869 to 1874, Rev. A. Schroeder served as pastor and was successful in building up the congregation. Following his retirement, Rev. J. Wernley became pastor for only one year. During short intervals J. L. Schats and W. G. Hackman led the congregation. The members of the congregation held Rev. Wernley in high esteem and challenged him to become their pastor a second time. He accepted the challenge in 1877, and soon afterward a parochial school was conducted in the church building. Early in 1879 the growing congregation realized the need for a larger building. Plans were drawn up for a brick building 36 feet by 50 feet. On September 28, 1879, the new building was dedicated; its total cost, $2,843.87. The old frame building was moved to the rear of the lat and continued to house the school. During 1881, Rev. Wernley again resigns, and Rev. J. J. Janett was called. He attempted to place the congregation of a more efficient basis by means of greater organization. While Rev. Janett was pastor, a church bell was installed in the tower. This bell has been preserved till the present, and it is the same one that rings at the beginning of services today. Another accomplishment during this period was the installation of a pipe organ. Rev. Ernst Brunoehler succeeded Rev. Janett, who resigned in 1891. It was found necessary to discontinue the parochial school since it was impossible to support a capable teacher and supply proper equipment. Rev. William Rech succeeded Rev. Brunoehler in 1898. During his pastorate many necessary repairs were made to the church property. Also, an addition was built to the parsonage which was adjacent to the church building. In 1904, Rev. ERnst Traeger was chosen to fill the place vacated by Rev. Rech. He remained as pastor for a longer period of time than any other except Rev. Grahl. Again some improvements were made although some unrest can be noted because of disagreement concerning language. Until this time only the German language had been used officially by the congregation and its pastors. However, the younger generation began more and more to demand English as official. Rev. Traeger introduced English evening services but more was desired by some members. In 1917, Rev. Traeger resigned, and on January 1, 1918, Rev. H. LEhman took charge of the congregation. During this time English as well as German became official in the congregation, and membership, attendance, and interest in the work increased considerably. An attempt was made at his time to remodel the church building, but because of the high cost following World War I, it was found impossible. However, during this early effort of rebuilding, the seeds were sown for plans of our present building. After four years of fruitful service, Rev. Lehman resigned in 1921, to be followed by Rev. R. A. Worthman. With the continue progress it was decided at a special congregational meeting in 1923, to begin a fund for remodeling the old or erecting a new building. In March, 1927, the contract to build a new structure was given by the building committee. During December of the same year the building which is now used for church services was dedicated. Rev. Worthman continued to serve Zion faithfully and Fruitfully until 1930. At that time Rev. Carl M. Grahl began his long and faithful service and in now experiencing his thirty-third year of ministering to the congregation. During these years the major physical improvement of the church were the purchase of the present parsonage, the erection of the Sunday School building, the remodeling of the auditorium to double the seating capacity, the purchase of church furniture, and acquisition of two residential lots adjacent to the church building which are presently used for parking space. Information and pictures from the "Dedication Souvenir at Zion Reformed Church", Freeport, Illinois December 18, 1927 and the "100th Anniversary" Zion United Church of Christ 1862-1962. Pictures - Our First Church Built in 1866, Our Second Church Built in 1879, Our Third Church Built in 1927, Our Church in 1962 This congregation continues to minister to the city of Freeport and has recently built a new church on the Western edge of the Freeport community.