Zion was founded in 1879 when Lutherans established both a church and a school in downtown Dallas on Live Oak Street near Harwood.  The first mission was blessed by the Lord in grand ways. In 1899, the congregation moved to Swiss Avenue.  In 1906, new facilities, including a new pipe organ, were built and paid for with great sacrifice by Zion's early members. The school served continuously until 1921 and resumed its ministry in 1948 after World War II when a new building was constructed on Skillman between Marquita and Monticello Streets. A 7.83 acre North Dallas tract of land was purchased and in 1957 the church and school were moved to newly constructed facilities at Skillman and Lover's Lane. Faithful stewardship expanded and improved our school facilities in 1965.

     In 1982 our present sanctuary and church offices were completed and dedicated. Expanded childhood ministries occasioned the installation of new modular classrooms for extended educational outreach and yet another step in the incremental growth of Zion's ever-more-diverse ministries. Over a period of more than 122 years, Zion's members have used God's gracious gifts to directly build and pay for four churches and three schools in Dallas.  Throughout this time Zion has adapted to respond to many local and global changes without losing the vision and commitment to its mission and ministry.

     Today, Zion intentionally seeks to witness, worship, and educate in Christ's name with a multifaceted discipline of programs generated from both the church and school. Zion affords its members program opportunities for all ages: Sunday School; over 175 worship services per year, with four different choral organizations and varied instrumentalists; nursery during services; social and fellowship events with organizations by age and interest; volunteer services; Bible study groups; seniors and shut-in ministry; an elementary Christian day school including a preschool and kindergarten with Extended Care; parent-teacher organizations, computer and science labs; a band program; school athletics; Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and various other activities including four softball teams as well as basketball and volleyball team competition.

     Zion Lutheran Church provides assistance to the hungry, poor, and needy not just locally but also globally: hospital ministries; evangelism and community outreach; special mission contingents, particularly in Guadalajara, Mexico and Nigeria, Africa; plus many other specific services.

     Today, Zion Lutheran Church counts more than 1200 souls as members. Zion Lutheran School has an expanding enrollment; this fall, Christian education will directly reach out to 200 young students from preschool to grade eight.