NOTE: The roots of renewal are in our congregations. We hope that sharing the brief story of a vibrant congregation may be encouraging to you.
Zion, as it’s commonly referred to in PEI, has been serving its congregation for the past 172 years. There has been a distinguished cadre of senior ministers occupying its pulpit over this time, many of whom have enjoyed very lengthy tenures at the helm of this flagship church within our denomination.
Today, Zion Church is led by its senior minister, the Rev. Douglas Rollwage, who is assisted by Music Director Faye Barrett, Christian Education Co-ordinator Melissa Deelstra and Church Administrator Dianne White. Currently the congregation is seeking to replace its recently retired Associate Minister, the Rev. Andrew Hutchinson.
With a keen and capable session of 23, along with a 12-person Board of Trustees, the past decade has been one of tremendous accomplishment, including congregational growth, increased Bible study involvement, financial security and — most importantly — a wonderful love for the Lord and each other.
Sunday worship is highlighted by the involvement of one or more of Zion’s four church choirs, along with Biblically-based educational and inspirational sermons and PowerPoint presentations prepared by the lead minister. With more than 300 in regular attendance, a flourishing Sunday School and a mid-week Bible study that’s filled to capacity, this congregation is an example to the greater Charlottetown community of a dedicated group of Christians who live out their mission “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known.”
Church members are certainly active beyond their own walls, with denominational involvement on such committees as Assembly Council, the National Finance Committee and the Committee on History. As well, several members occupy lead roles within the PEI Presbytery and the Synod of the Atlantic Provinces. Proudly, Zion’s senior minister recently served as the Moderator of the 142nd General Assembly in 2016.
Local mission initiatives include the support of the Charlottetown Food Bank as well as the Presbytery Camp (Camp Keir), but the far-reaching efforts of Zion’s congregation really come to light through their support of the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Over the last decade, this congregation’s support has provided the equivalent of 1.6 million meals to those in need across the globe.
For the past 106 years, Zion’s congregation has been worshiping in a beautiful structure in downtown Charlottetown. Inside and out, this building has been maintained immaculately by the Board of Trustees and such things as a leaky roof or drafty windows are a thing of the past. As you enter Zion, you are immediately greeted by our wonderful stained-glass windows through which the morning sun illuminates their beauty — a breathtaking and colourful tribute to those who served both their country and their church.
Zion extends a warm invitation to any and all who may be visiting Prince Edward Island to join us for Sunday worship. As well, if Zion can be of any assistance to any of our fellow congregations, the Session is always willing to share any of the methods and processes they have followed. Please feel free to contact Session Clerk John Barrett at <john@veseys.com> with any inquiries you may have. Should you wish to enjoy a service online, join Zion at zionpres.org/service-videos/ or visit the extensive website at www.zionpres.org.