In 1871, three years after the founding of Dexter, a Lutheran missionary from Iowa City began conducting German Lutheran services in Dexter homes until they rented a building in town. In 1872 the congregation hired its first resident minister. They also bought 3 ¼ acres, where the first church was built in 1874.
A 32′ by 64′ brick building with a 44 foot bell tower was erected in 1909, at a cost of $5,572, with a seating capacity of 140 people. Rev. Kurt Daib served the congregation for thirty years. The bell, made by Henry Stuckstede of St. Louis, was purchased for the church by Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Kaufman for $200. This beautiful structure was torn down in 1957 to make way for the new building.
The present building was dedicated in 1958, at a cost of $125,000, including a fellowship hall and eight classrooms. The 1909 bell still rings today in the tower of the new church.
Source: 1968 Dexter Centennial history, pages 79-80. Also Byron Weesner.
Thank you for providing this historical rememberance of Zion Lutheran in Dexter, Iowa. As a member since birth I can confidently say that my brother, Jeffrey L. Marsh was the first baby baptised in the new church in 1958. (submitted by Cynthia Marsh Neubauer 3.2.2025)
You’re so welcome, Cynthia! My sister, Gloria Neal, is on the Dexter Museum Board. They look forward to opening for the season the first Sunday afternoon in May.