Joshua 24:15

Music has always been an important part of Lutheran worship services. When worship services were conducted by Zion's first ordained resident pastor, J.M. Ansorge, in 1904, the services were in German with hymns being sung in German, as well. By 1916 regular services were conducted in both German and English.

In 1921, when members of Zion constructed a larger church, the Walther League collected $2,550.00 to purchase a pipe organ that was used for the dedication service. Thirty years later, in 1949 during a major church remodeling project, a new Mohler Pipe Organ was installed, as well as 25-note Carillon bells. Pastor's wife, Gertrude Ansorge served as church organist and choir director during this time. One of the highlights of this time period was an operetta produced by the choir. Twenty members of the congregation played various roles. One notable choir member was Herman Pahde who continued to sing with the choir until he was over 80 years of age.

During the ministry of Pastor George Eschenbacher, beginning in 1954, Dorothy Groteluschen began her service as choir director and organist. In 1958 the choir was 45 members strong. Choir robes were purchased that year and 40 members of the choir sang for the dedication. The robes, Madeira in color with white stoles, were used by the choir until 1990.

Dorothy Groteluschen recalls that the choir liked to sing De Profundis (Psalm 130). This selection was included in a "Missions in Music" concert sung by a 43 member adult choir and 33 member children's choir under her direction. She stated that it gives her joy to see that some of the people who sang under her direction as high school students still are involved with and singing in Zion's choir today.

When Zion Lutheran Church moved to its present facility in 1963, a beautiful new Casavant Freres pipe organ was purchased from the Casavant Freres Company in Quebec, Canada, for a price of $26,200.00. The organ, which is still in use by Zion, is now valued at over $200,000.00. The Carillon bells, which peal out hymns and chordal passages from the church tower, were moved to the new church and continue to be used and enjoyed today.

During the ministry of Pastor Edward Heinicke, which began in 1964, the congregation of Zion began using the hymnal Lutheran Worship, replacing a volume called The Lutheran Hymnal. Learning the new liturgy melodies was accomplished by "practicing" before the formal service began.

Mabel Huldeen served as choir director from 1965-1969. During those years the choir members numbered 25. Mrs. Huldeen and other choir members with small children had their children sit with them in the front pews of the choir loft, but hidden by the wooden partition that fronted the loft. Mrs. Huldeen recalls that choir members were very prompt, except for one occasion when a high school boy arrived late and crawled behind the partition, into the loft and to his seat in the back.

There were a few years in the 1960s when Zion had no adult choir. Dorothy Kusel answered the need with a seventh and eighth grade choir which she directed.

In 1972 an adult choir was again organized under the direction of Ken Puck, who served for several years. He was followed by Cheryl Henderson.

Upon Henderson's departure from Manning, one of Zion's elders asked Nadine Heinicke if she would take over the du-ties. Mrs. Heinicke recalls that she would have given it little thought except that she attended a Bible study about the gifts God provides and how other people recognize them in us even when we do not. Ultimately, she gave the suggestion much thought and prayer and went on to serve as director until 1983. Under her direction, an Easter Cantata was sung by the choir.

The arrival of Pastor Paul Krumm to Zion in 1983, brought the addition of another voice for the church choir. His wife, Paula Krumm, became a regular member. A compassionate nurse, she at one time had occasion to sit with and sing to a dying member of the congregation.

Pastor Krumm was so impressed with Zion's choir that he, at one time, arranged to have the choir visit another congregation and sing at their worship service. Teresa Schroeder served as choir director during this period followed by D.C.E. Paula Weiss.

Paula was involved with the music ministry throughout the 12 years she served Zion. Working with Zion's youth, she started the practice of holding children's musical productions each summer.

Brad Waline, a high school music instructor, was encouraged to become the choir director during the ministry of Pastor Robert Riggert in 1987. Brad and Paula Weiss shared the responsibility of music selection.

When Manning began the celebration of Weihnachtsfest, a German Christmas festival, the choir saw this as an opportunity to share the story of Jesus' birth through performance of a Christmas Cantata. The concerts have become a special part of Zion's annual Christmas celebration.

In addition to his involvement with the cantatas, Brad Waline also organized and arranged music for a group of brass musicians who played during special festival services at Zion.

Like pastors before him, Pastor Riggert's ministry brought another voice for the choir, that of his wife Diane Riggert. And, on special occasions, such as the presentation of the annual cantatas, Pastor Riggert himself would sing with choir.

Diane Riggert, in addition to singing with the choir, also led Zion's youngest children in learning and singing songs at Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

A new piano was purchased for the sanctuary to aid in accompanying various groups of singers and, in 1990, new choir robes were donated to the church by longtime choir member, Amanda Puck. The robes are a bright blue with a scarlet trimmed matching stole bearing the symbol of a cross. On the day the robes were dedicated, the robes were modeled for Amanda as the choir sang for her at her home.

Dr. Tom Ulrickson presently serves as Zion's choir director, a commitment he began in 1992. He continues to direct the annual Christmas cantata and includes a variety of instrumentalists in the worship services at Zion. He has also nurtured the involvement of youth in worship by organizing a group called "Extreme". Made up of high school students, Extreme members sing more contemporary songs for worship.

Susan Ulrickson serves as the musical director for Zion's children. She arranges for the midweek choir and various classes of Sunday School children to sing for services. She also directs the Christmas program and summer musical. Both Tom and Susan Ulrickson are gifted musicians that share their gifts in many worship settings.

Zion's music worship was enhanced in 1998 with the addition of a Yamaha electronic piano. Midi discs can be recorded and played on the piano allowing music to be pre-recorded to add orchestration to accompaniment.

A Remembrance
by Marge Kusel

"One Sunday morning before the worship began, Pastor Ansorge shared with the congregation the sad news that their son, Arthur, had gone to be with the Lord. At once our organist, Mrs. Ansorge, began playing the opening hymn and, as always, led the congregation in singing. The hymn she had chosen was "What God Ordains is Always Good."

Long before we had reached the end of verse 2, all that remained to be heard was the unwavering solo voice of Mrs. Ansorge as she continued to pour out her heart to the Lord, while the rest of us followed the example of Jesus (John 11:35) -- We wept."

Over the years Zion has been blessed with the God-given talents of many people who have assisted with worship by serving as organists. Even before Zion had instrumentalists in the worship services at Zion. He has also nurtured the involvement of youth in worship by organizing a group called "Extreme". Made up of high school students, Extreme members sing more contemporary songs for worship.

Susan Ulrickson serves as the musical director for Zion's children. She arranges for the midweek choir and various classes of Sunday School children to sing for services. She also directs the Christmas program and summer musical. Both Tom and Susan Ulrickson are gifted musicians that share their gifts in many worship settings.

Zion's music worship was enhanced in 1998 with the addition of a Yamaha electronic piano. Midi discs can be recorded and played on the piano allowing music to be pre-recorded to add orchestration to accompaniment.

Over the years Zion has been blessed with the God-given talents of many people who have assisted with worship by serving as organists. Even before Zion had its own house of worship, Laura Karsten Hansen was organist for Lutheran worship services which were regularly held at the Presbyterian Church starting in the late 1880s. In April, 1901, Mrs. Hansen was asked to continue as organist in Zion's newly constructed church.

While the names of all of the people that have served following Mrs. Hansen are not known, all have been appreciated for their contributions. Following are some of the names that were found in the church history: Gertrude Ansorge (who played for many years), Dorothy Groteluschen, Nadine Heinicke, Dorothy Kusel, Angela Kusel, Iris Iddings, Larry Fischer, Laurel Musfeldt, Joanna Dannemann, Peg Puck, Sara Bunz, Andrea Puck, Paula Weiss, Kristy Jacobsen, Fern Jensen, Jennifer Riggert, Carlys Stribe, Susan Lamb and Crystal Bruhn.

May God continue to lift the spirits of Zion through His gift of song.

A Remembrance
by Mabel Huldeen

"Zion's choir was a very dedicated and talented group of people. They sang the standard church choir selections, as well as the then contemporary ones like Prayers of Steel, they did that one so well!"