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In 1858, a group of Moravians formed a congregation in Chaska. Numerous church members lived in Laketown Township and in 1863 they built the Zoar Moravian Church. The church was constructed in the Greek Revival architectural style and the steeple was moved in 1908 to form the belltower.
The Moravians, or the Brethren’s Church, are Protestants whose church was formed in 1457. The Moravian Church grew quickly but was often persecuted in Europe. Many immigrated to America in search of religious freedom. The Moravians who formed the Chaska congregation were originally from Pennsylvania.
Zoar’s congregation disbanded in the 1940s. Most of the members joined the Waconia Moravian Church, which took over the care of the Zoar Church and Cemetery. The Waconia Moravian Church still uses the Zoar Church for special services, including the Easter sunrise service, and continues to use the cemetery. The Zoar Moravian Church and Cemetery were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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