Churches Celebrate Their Heritage With Pilgrimage

In 1735, the first Dillingersville Schoolhouse was erected of logs.  During the week, the building was used for school, then converted after Friday’s classes for Sunday services. 

In 1799, three congregations – Lutherans, Mennonites and Reformed (now UCC) – formed the Dillingersville Union School and Church Association (USCA), which is still in operation today.  They continue working together honoring their history and faith traditions.

For more than 200 years, Old Zionsville UCC, Upper Milford Mennonite and Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran churches have served the community together.  On June 26, these congregations gather again to honor their heritage with the 65^th pilgrimage to the Dillingersville Schoolhouse.

The combined community worship service begins at 10:30 a.m., rain or shine, under the big tent on the schoolhouse grounds.  A choir, formed from members of the three church choirs, will sing special selections chosen for the day.

Following the service, attendees may eat a picnic lunch packed from home or purchase a hot meal provided by the churches.  There will also be a bake sale, with all proceeds benefiting the USCA.

At 1 p.m., a presentation will be given by Sherry Graver on disaster preparedness.  She will offer the READY…PACK…GO program, which tells people how to make a plan, what to pre-pack and where to go, depending on the type of disaster.  This is a timely topic, especially with all the weather-related situations happening throughout the country.

“Gather up your family — kids and grandkids,” said Nancy Civitts, member of Old Zionsville UCC “and bring them to the old stone schoolhouse by the spring.”

The Dillingersville Schoolhouse is at 7226 Schoolhouse Lane, Zionsville.