The Evangelical Society of the Canton of Zurich emerged as an informal group in the 1830s in Zurich. It established a formal organization in 1846/47. With its intellectual roots in the 18th century, it intertwined orthodox, state-church, and pietistic traditions. Practically, it organized conservative-minded pastors and laypeople who wanted to take action against the secularization of church and society. Initially limited to the city of Zurich, it gradually managed to form a cantonal network. Since the late 19th century, the society increasingly connected its missionary efforts with diaconal tasks. In particular, women provided unpaid assistance to the poor, sick, and weak. In the second half of the 20th century, it redefined diaconal work: from the city mission, a discreet telephone counseling service emerged.