Twp 180 and Rge Rd 24
Site 1 is the original site of the Zion Lutheran Church in Hilda, Alberta. The church was organized in 1912 under the direction of Missionary Bernard Bierwagen. The building was actually constructed in 1914. The first board of elders established in 1912 included Anton Dewald John Lutz, Gottlieb Bredo and Fred Roeder.
The church played an important part in the lives of its’ members. Regular services as well as weddings and funerals along with special services were conducted there. The first pastor in 1914 was Reverend Wilhelm Wiltenburg. He was followed by Reverend’s Griesse, Walter Beltz, Lohman, Seitenstick, Maier, Martin Rische from 1921 to 1923, John Meichsner (1923 to 1926), William Busse (1927 to 1929), Gerhardt Gehrs (1929 to 1934), Roland Langbecker (1934 to 1936), Klewer (1937), Rudolph Ohlinger, R. Kaun, Ernest Nayan (1938 to 1942), Phillip Becker (1942 to 1945), Walter Brockopp (1946 to 1947), Fred Schole (1948 to 1950), Edgar Priess (1950 to 1952), Louis Theiss (1953 to 1955), Frank Miller (1955 to 1958), G.E. Knoernschild (1958 to 1965), D. Igge (1965 to 1967), Albert Maschmayer and Vicars Fardin and Scharlach (1967 to 1969).
In 1961, the congregation renovated the former Maple Tree School located half a mile from the church. Following the renovation, the old church closed its doors in November 1963. It celebrated its 50th Anniversary November 17, 1963 with a special service. Reverend John Meichner was the guest speaker. The new church was dedicated that same afternoon with Reverend Thomas L. Ristine as guest speaker. The new church was open for only six years, due to the decline in congregation caused by farm mechanization and the reduction of the number of families living in the rural area. The remaining members transferred their membership to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in 1969. The abandoned building was moved to Oyen, Alberta, and rededicated there in 1972.
The original cemetery was in use from 1912 to 1935. It is located nine miles west of Hilda, Alberta, at the junction of Township Road 180 and Range Road 24, on the Emil Krause homestead. The one acre plot is well fenced, a cairn has been erected but the grass needs attention, as at August 12, 1995.
Information courtesy of Medicine Hat and District Genealogical Society (MHDGS)
Address
Twp 180 and Rge Rd 24
Nearest Populated Centre: Hilda,
Province: Alberta
Map Location
Latitude, Longitude
50.48441, -110.23425
Map Location
| Surname | Given Name | Born | Died | Age | Photo(s) | Cemetery | Obituary | Narrative | R Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The 25 most common surnames found in this cemetery.
The 25 most common given names found in this cemetery.