The Senate Resolution honors Zion Mennonite Church in Donnellson, Iowa, as it celebrates its 175th anniversary. The church has a rich history, beginning with the arrival of the first Mennonites in Iowa in 1839 and the establishment of the Zion congregation in 1851. The congregation has played a significant role in the community, including the founding of the first Mennonite school west of the Mississippi River in 1853 and the dedication of its first stone church in 1855. Over the years, Zion Mennonite Church has been a vital part of the Mennonite faith, contributing to the unification of Mennonite congregations and maintaining its mission of worship, faith nurturing, and community service.
The resolution also acknowledges the church's continued presence and influence in the region, highlighting its partnership with the Donnellson Presbyterian Church from 1970 until its closure in 2010. Currently led by Pastor Rachelle Luitjens, Zion Mennonite Church remains committed to its mission of spreading the Gospel and serving others. The Senate congratulates the church for its historical significance in Iowa and its contributions to Anabaptism and Mennonite fellowship, while also recognizing the global Mennonite community's celebration of 500 years of Anabaptism in 2025.