Our Story

A Legacy of Faith and Growth

Since 1853, Zion Lutheran Church in Hillsboro has shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the Sandy Valley and beyond. Over the decades, our congregation has faced challenges, celebrated milestones, and witnessed God’s abundant blessings. Through it all, we’ve remained steadfast in our mission: to be a light of Christ in our community.

As Zion member Donna Krysl reflects:
"God's Word is our great heritage, just as Zion's heritage is a Godly example of the many blessings bestowed on it by our Heavenly Father, both in our material and spiritual blessings."

A History Rooted in Faith
From its beginnings in a one-room sanctuary, Zion has grown to serve as a cornerstone of faith for the Hillsboro community. After a devastating fire in 1912 destroyed the original church, our congregation came together to build the sanctuary we worship in today, dedicated in 1913. Over the years, the church has expanded to meet the needs of a growing congregation, including the addition of an educational wing, a parsonage, and spaces designed to support ministry and fellowship.

Recent Milestones
In recent years, Zion has embraced its mission with renewed energy, growing our facilities and ministries to better serve both our congregation and community. Some highlights include:

• 2013: The Old School Hall was remodeled and rededicated as Grace Haus, providing space for youth gatherings and a museum celebrating Zion’s history.
• 2015: Our first Grace Day brought the community together to experience the love of Christ through acts of service. This ministry has since grown into a county-wide effort involving multiple congregations.
• 2016: The parsonage was beautifully remodeled to better support our pastoral staff and their families.
• 2016: The Beautiful Feet Project began, providing support to students in the Hillsboro R-3 School District through donations of shoes, supplies, and other essentials.
• 2018: Grace Day 365 launched in partnership with Lutheran Family & Child Services, expanding Grace Day into a year-round ministry serving the Hillsboro R-3 School District.
• 2021: The Beautiful Feet Project expanded into Festus R-6, Dunklin R-5, DeSoto #73, and Grandview C-2 school districts, touching even more young lives with God’s love.
• 2024: Jefferson County Lutheran Grace Day returned to Zion's campus for the 10th annual service event and we served over 1,400 in the surrounding community with essential supplies as families prepared for children to return to school.

Expansion and Growth
Zion’s commitment to growth is reflected not only in our ministries but also in our facilities. The expansion of our educational wing and the creation of Grace Haus have provided space for teaching, fellowship, and outreach. Each project represents our congregation’s dedication to fostering a vibrant community where faith is nurtured and shared.

Living Our Faith Today
Zion is not just a church—it’s a family of believers. Together, we strive to live out the Gospel, both within our walls and in the world around us. Ministries like the Beautiful Feet Project and Grace Day 365 demonstrate our commitment to serving others and being the hands and feet of Christ in our community.

Today, as we look back on over 170 years of faith, we stand with gratitude for God’s guidance and provision. We invite you to be part of Zion’s story—rooted in heritage, alive in Christ, and growing together toward the future.