The community is invited to join the members and friends of Zion United Methodist Church as they celebrate the 145-year history of Zion Church Cemetery on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The celebration will feature historical and genealogical displays, along with guided tours of the cemetery highlighting the stories of the families who helped settle the area.
The cemetery was established in 1881 on land owned by George Reinhard. Following the tragic death of his 6-year-old daughter, Ella, who fell down the stairs in the family farmhouse and suffered a fatal broken neck, the Reinhard family buried her on a hill just east of their home. The historic Reinhard farmhouse still stands today.
Among the area's earliest settlers were the Sohns, Franke, Reinhard and Gauger families, who came together to form the Zion Church congregation. Many descendants of these founding families remain connected to the church and cemetery today.
Over the years, the cemetery has been known by several names, including the Reinhard Family Cemetery, the Evangelical United Brethren Cemetery, the Gibraltar Cemetery, the Maple Grove Cemetery and, today, Zion Church Cemetery. While the name has changed over time, the gravestones continue to reflect the legacy of the area's founding families.
Zion Church Cemetery is adjacent to Zion United Methodist Church at 8781 County Road F, between Fish Creek and Baileys Harbor. Community members of all ages are welcome to attend and learn more about the rich history of this landmark and the families who shaped the local community.
