Zion United Church of Christ in Lehighton will host a dedication of a quilted collage crafted by Zion’s Daughters of Zion on Sunday.

The group said it took them at least four months to complete the quilted collage, which they have since named “Reflections of Faith.”

Ken Leffler, Sesquicentennial co-chair person, said it has a movable frame that was built by Gary Ziegenfuss of Lower Towamensing Township, who donated his time, material, and labor.

Kim Metzger, a member of the congregation, explained the significance of the wall hanging.

“It’s a collection of everyone’s thoughts and ideas,” Metzger said. “It was a nice creative process.”

Carol Ritter, a member of the congregation, described her reaction to the finished product.

“When we saw the final product, it was ‘wow’,” Ritter said.

Sandra Hahn, a member of the congregation, said she was glad to be a part of the process.

“It was a privilege to be able to work on this,” Hahn said. “It did turn out very nice.”

Other members of the group include Gail Klemka, Nancy Wentz, Helene Tkach, Alice Heintzelman, and Judy Heffelfinger. Terri Sheckler is also a member of Daughters of Zion.

Leffler noted there have been many changes at Zion since its 125th anniversary in 1998, including major repainting, repairs and cleaning of stonework façade; Second Street-window repairs and protective covers replaced; accessibility ramp installed at Derr Hall entrance; clock tower-new clock installed and rotted louvers replaced; major portions of slate and asphalt roofing replaced on Derr Hall; elevator installed allowing barrier free entrance to dining room and second floor of Derr Hall; portions of slate roof on Iron Street side of Sanctuary replaced; slate roof on south portion of Parsonage roof replaced; asphalt roofing and flashing replaced on Iron Street; installation of security and smoke detection system; Derr Hall classrooms completely renovated and renamed the Dylan & Gavin Krum Faith Exploration Center.

Other changes include an existing second floor stairway at southwest corner of Derr Hall rebuilt to provide a fire resistance egress from classroom area to a newly constructed exterior exit leading to Centre Alley; construction of Fatzinger Gallery behind south wall of Smith Auditorium; installation of ductless air conditioning in dining room; installation of new air exhaust/intake fire suppressant system over kitchen stove; replacement of church heating system boilers and Parsonage furnace; replacement of Sanctuary doors; creation of website and Facebook page; installation of an LED messaging board on the corner of Second and Iron Street (donated in memory of Martha Ronemus).

Additionally, he said there was the retirement of Paul R. Smith, Director of Music and Linnea Smith, organist after 44 years of service; Music Sunday established in honor of Paul & Linn Smith; Derr Hall Auditorium designated as Smith Auditorium; location of Pastor’s Office and Church Office from Second Street side of church building to front of Derr Hall section of church; annual Music Academy established; birth of Zion Opera Workshop Jr., changing of church Parsonage to a rental property; and the consistory reduced from six Elders and 12 Deacons to three Elders and five Deacons.