Christmas Hymn Sing at Rocklyn Zion Chapel

Rocklyn Zion Chapel Christmas

Sunday, Dec. 22, was a bright and beautiful day for the Christmas Hymn Sing at at the Rocklyn Zion Chapel near Harrington. Seasonal Christmas prelude music was played by Sarah Jane Heid of Davenport as God’s house on the hill at Zion filled to capacity with nearly 60 men, women and children. Judy Mielke, of Arizona, gave the welcome address with an overflowing heart of thanksgiving for the wonderful support of the old-fashioned Christmas which has been a tradition for the Mielke family, one of the founding members of the little German Methodist Church. The opening prayer was offered by Pastor Kim Kruger of Davenport. A brief greeting time was allowed before the program began.

A delight to the audience was “I Want A Silent Night” sung by Janice Kruger, accompanied by a beautiful digital orchestration. Barb Curtis played a violin solo of “Away in a Manger,” incorporating three versions of the familiar song, with Judy Mielke as accompanist on piano. Song leaders for the Hymn Picks portion of the program were Janice Kruger and Robert Mielke, accompanied by Sarah Jane Heid on piano, Barb Curtis on violin, Dillon Haas on guitar and Carolyn Moldrem on harmonica. The songs were “Mary Did You Know,” “The Christmas Song,” “O Holy Night,” “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Away In A Manger,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Joy to the World.”

True to the historical tradition of this edifice, one number was sung in German, recalling that for many years all of the church services were in German: Teaching, preaching and singing. Dillon Haas and Carolyn Moldrem sang “Lo How A Rose E’er Blooming” and “Still, Still, Still.” Pastor Kruger told the Christmas story, followed by the final round of Hymn Picks: “I Wonder As I Wander,” “Amazing Grace,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “The First Noel,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Angels We Have Heard On High” and “Jingle Bells.”

Judy Mielke gave a few brief comments about the live Christmas tree and the opportunity for those present to “light” one of the candles on the tree as had been done throughout the church’s history. Many from the audience eagerly lined up to take part, including some adorable children with looks of wonder on their faces. Michelle Knack Wheland, pianist, played “O Tannenbaum” and other songs during the tree lighting, and after the last candle was lit, everyone lent their voices to a verse of “Silent Night.” This was simple and spectacular at the same time. This year’s tree was wild-harvested in Idaho and was brought to Zion by descendants of Gottlieb Mielke. The late Helen Mielke Sandygren loved to speak of the lifetime of Christmas trees that were carefully selected and decorated. In the early days, homemade candles were used, made by using a mold that was brought to this area by the early pioneers in 1883. Near the conclusion of their programs, the candles were lit and would send forth their glow. The church history shows that the first six annual Christmas programs were held in the Gottlieb and Mina Mielke home since their first church was not built until 1889. The present edifice was built in 1905. Following the lighting of the tree, the benediction was sung by the audience. Santa and Mrs. Claus and puppy Keiko arrived and passed out the traditional gift treat bags to young and old alike. The service was concluded with the announcement of refreshments and fellowship time while those interested could take photos with the Christmas tree or with the Clauses. Following the time of fellowship, this year’s attendees went to their cars and returned down the muddy road toward their separate homes.

By comparison, at the Christmas program in 1989, Carl Mielke read a history of the church and its pioneer families, which exalted Ludwig Hoffman, Gottlieb Mielke and August Bursch. “Many things which we now take for granted were not available or were unknown in 1889. There were no automobiles, electricity, or electric lights. Kerosene lamps were used and the building was heated with a wood stove. Transportation was walking, riding horseback or with horses pulling a wagon or sleigh. The weather could at any time strike with all severity. The driver of the horses would wear a heavy sheepskin cap, warm gloves and a fur or buffalo coat. The passengers in the sleigh or wagon would huddle together on straw with warm blankets for cover and an occasional heated brick or flat iron for foot warmth. After arriving at the church, the horses were tied to either the sled, wagon or hitching post. In preparation for the comfort of those attending the program, a fire had been kindled in a cast iron stove, and the kerosene lamps were filled and lit. The Christmas tree with its garlands, balls and candles was in place.”

Much more than a tradition, the edifice and its historic traditions are visible signs of the faith that was kindled by the early pioneers. The original pioneers who came together from Minnesota to this vicinity in 1883 were Ludwig Hoffman, August Bursch and Gottlieb Mielke with their families. They hauled lumber and built houses and barns.They worshipped in the Mielke home for six years, even though they received their first pastor, Rev. Adam Buehler, in 1884 with his family. The first German Zion Methodist church building was built during the summer of 1889 “on a hill where it was visible for miles.” The church history as recorded by Ed Mielke and Helen Mielke Sandygren stated that in the fall of 1892 there was a “severe windstorm that damaged the church to the extent of $450. Fortunately, the insurance covered destruction of this type. Fred Huesman who had originally helped to build the church, again repaired it. His assistants were Julius Hoffman, Emil Zellmer and Herman Knack.” In the summer of 1905, the old Zion church was replaced by a new and more spacious one built at the same location, with Emil Knappert as contractor. This is now the structure we call Rocklyn Zion Chapel. The photos of the founders adorn the walls, silent reminders of the depth of their love, determination, faith, perseverance and dedication to God. Over the years, 114 Christmas trees have stood here and as many programs have occurred.