“Zion Lutheran Church was built in 1908 and destroyed by fire April, 1979 with all records of the Ladies Aid up to that date. We do know that they formed a Ladies Aid shortly after the church was built and of their struggle between German and the English language. They were a proud and busy group. Everyone seemed to be on a committee. There was the president, vice-president, secretary, assistant secretary-treasurer, entertainment committee, social committee, parsonage committee, work committee, membership committee, linen committee, pianists and librarians.

Some of these women were, Mrs. Jake Schroeder, Mrs. Louis Restemayer, Mrs. Louis Rader, Mrs. Herb Wein, Mrs. Ed Kraft, Mrs. Fred Willert, Mrs. Henry Nueschwanger, Mrs. C. Rinker, Mrs. Matilda Kraft, Mrs. Henry Rader, Mrs. David Schroeder, Mrs. Fred Schlundt, Mrs. Philip Fassold, Mrs. W. Musser, Mrs. Robert Hayter (Sr.), Mrs. William Kleinstiver, Mrs. Theo Luft, Mrs. M. Laub, Mrs. Ted Miller, Mrs. Fred Preeter, Mrs. George Merner, Mrs. Jake Willert, Mrs. Henry Kreuger, Mrs. Fred Messner, Mrs. Amanda Schumacher, Mrs. Katherine Rader, Mrs. Arthur Willert, Mrs. Arnold Kuntz and Mrs. Ed Nadiger.

In 1943 they held a goose supper with husbands and other guests present. Following supper, they played progressive airplane bunco. The success of the affair goes to the social and entertainment committee of the Aid – Harold Weber, Arthur Willert, Milford Merner, Elgin Merner, Martin Laub, and E.G. Kraft.

Since the Dedication of the new church, June 21, 1981, the Ladies Aid has been very busy. A bazaar was held and raised money to furnish the kitchen. Plates with pictures of the new and old church were sold. We sponsored a student at St. Catharines Seminary. Served lunch at Bible school and all funerals and donated to all worthwhile causes. Our president is Mrs. Florence Martene, secretary, Mrs. Ray Rader and treasurer, Mrs. Howard Datars.”

extracted from “Friedsburg-Dashwood 1860-1985” by Mary (Patterson) Rader, 1985; pg. 97, ISBN 0-9692115-0-3