The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Peace began with a Sunday School Mission to the German immigrants in the southern part of Rochester in 1884. It was not long, however, before mother-church Zion saw a need for more than just Sunday School and a chapel in the neighborhood. In 1886 the people of Zion purchased a parcel of land at the corner of Mount Vernon Avenue and Caroline Street. A white frame structure was built to accommodate worship, and Friedens Kirch (German for Peace Church) became an official congregation on January 6th, 1890. 

Having outgrown the original structure by the mid 1920’s, funds were raised, and a cornerstone laid for the current brick structure (shown at left) in 1928.A week of festival dedication services, in both German and English, celebrated our new home in March of 1929.

Lots happened in the 20th century. People got married, baptized their babies, and raised their families in this little church. We became wealthy at some points. And, as the urban landscape changed, we became poor. Through it all, God has been with us. We're still here, and we're thankful for the latest renovations to the sanctuary and fellowship hall in 1999, which brighten our corner for worship, and prepare us to continue our ministry in the 21st century.