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THE SANCTUARY 

The present Altar table was placed in 1972, allowing the Pastor to stand behind it facing the congregation. Previous central Altars were kept as side altars, the left one with a marble top representing the 1840 one. Only the central Altar is used for communion.

The reredos (altar back wall) created in 1930 by the German wood carver Hans Eckstein. It's two martial looking statues represent ST. MICHAEL, the archangel and patron saint of Germanic nations (left), and ROLAND, the mystic medieval knight, with the Stars and Stripes and the coat of arms of the state of Maryland (right). Roland being a symbol of civil liberty found in many German cities (notably Bremen ), the statues stand for Heavenly and Earthly Justice and also symbolize the character of Zion ’s congregation: of Germanic origin, but now loyal citizens enjoying the civil liberties of the United States.

The present pulpit was erected in 1840. Lutheran doctrine does not support the central position of the pulpit; it was Pastor SCHEIB’S decision to assign it such a place of prominence. Legend has it that the pulpit was built to represent a ship’s bridge, which is accessible from both sides. Atop the pulpit is a “crow’s nest”, giving the entire superstructure the look of a sailing ship. As German immigrants, the parishioners could identify with the perilous journey and God’s protection until they reached safe harbor in America.

Luther’s portrait was once hanging behind the cross under a dorsal curtain. In 1902, that massive reproduction of Lucas Cranach’s painting of Luther was affixed to the wall above the pulpit. Stenciled to the right and left of the painting were the words: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” In 1972, the hanging cross was installed, ending all viewing of the great reformer. Then we could no longer be accused of praying to Martin Luther.  The painting was removed during the Sanctuary Renovation of 2007.

The baptismal font was given in 1905 by Frank Steil, owner of Steil’s Brewery in West Baltimore . The Steil Family are fifth generation members of ZION CHURCH. The altar and pulpit paraments were hand-embroidered, most likely by members of the Ladies Aid Society.