The History of Zion

The congregation at Zion is the oldest Episcopal congregation in Western New York and the oldest mission in the Diocese of New York.

In 1792, the Zion Episcopal congregation gathered for the first time as ten local families assembled in a small schoolhouse just east of where the current Zion Church building stands. The congregation was made up of founding members of Avon and lay services were led by Dr. Timothy Hosmer, a notable figure in Avon history and the American Revolution.

The congregation grew as the town of Avon was established and the Episcopal Church and Western New York Diocese took root in America. In 1828, the first church building was erected and later consecrated as the congregation outgrew the original log schoolhouse.

The congregation and building continued to expand, and in 1915, the new stucco church was built. This portion of the church, which runs closest to Main Street, is still standing and in operation today. Unfortunately, the parish hall suffered a fire in February 1929, but the community rallied to quickly repair and return the church to operation by the fall of the same year.

In 1965, the two-story education wing that now houses Circle Nursery School was remolded. Since then, the building has undergone various renovations and upgrades, including, most recently, the addition of a new sign in front of the church.

For over 200 years, Zion Church has been a cornerstone of faith and community. Today, we have parishioners who come from many different religious traditions and backgrounds. You’ll meet members who are confirmed Episcopalians who have attended Zion their entire lives and those who are brand new to attending church. There are a variety of perspectives and expressions of faith in our congregation, but we all share a curiosity about faith and a desire to serve our communities.

We are a community that welcomes everyone and takes seriously the command to love our neighbor as ourselves. As we enter into another century in our community, we look forward to growing our congregation, welcoming new members, and continuing to do God’s work.