Today, Zion's Stone Church and its 650 members are remembering a tradition of worship dating back 225 years.

In honor of the anniversary, Zion's Stone Church acknowledged former pastors, including James Seifert, David Knoebel and Richard Spengler.A service in June used the old red book hymnal for communion while in October the old reformed hymnal was brought out.In May, a special chorale from J.P. McCaskey High School, Lancaster, led by Tim Sterner, conducted the worship service.Sterner's childhood was spent at the church, and his parents remain members."In November of this year we also were privileged to have the Oswald family return to their roots," says Eileen Meiser, former board member. "Sharing their talents were Gerald and Dawn Oswald, sons Mark and Max and daughter Sheryl."Also in November, a fun and talent night took place, featuring entertainment by the church youth group.In October, a special Pennsylvania Dutch service was held, led by the Rev. Guy R. Grube, conducted in English and Pennsylvania Dutch, including hymns."There still remains a remnant of Pennsylvania Dutch speaking people who belong to our church and nearby churches in Mantzville and New Ringgold," says Meiser.Finally, a new pictorial directory of Zion's members is being assembled to commemorate the 225th year.A call committee has been named to begin the process of seeking a pastor after the Rev. Michael Frost, pastor for 15 years, moved to a different location.In the meantime, designated pastor the Rev. Ken Melber, a Jim Thorpe native, is conducting confirmation classes, funerals, baptisms and home visitations.Regular Sunday services are conducted by supply pastors through cooperation of the UCC Conference and Lutheran Synod.Church members say the congregation has been particularly close-knit through the years."The church has a strong foundation of many families who were related," says Meiser.Melber has noticed a distinctive characteristic of the congregation since he arrived in June."A lot of congregations are inwardly focused," says Melber. But not so at Zion's. "They're folks who care about their community. They're caring and loving."For example, a benevolence committee routinely assists with community needs, such as participation in Operation Christmas Shield, run by Samaritan's Purse, and provides support to missionaries.Melber says churches, in general, are becoming more active."Years ago, the church was the center of the community and people would just show up. Now, we have to let people know we care about you."Zion's Stone Church conducts worship service 9. m. every Sunday and doors are open to all.