100th Anniversary of the First Lutheran Church
It was in early 1907 that the
congregation of First Lutheran Church moved it's existing wood
church building from the church's location at the corner of
College and Orleans, two blocks down to what is known today as Pells Park. Members continued to hold services in their
building there, while a new structure was being built. Then,
on October 15, 1907, the congregation, along with many
dignitaries from around the synod, gathered for worship at their
old church building, which included a procession to the site of
the new brick church building, so they could lay the
cornerstone. Here are pictures from the celebration.
One hundred years later, members,
invited guests and friends gathered to Celebrate the 100th
Anniversary of this brick church building. At 3 p.m. on a
beautiful fall afternoon, many individuals met at Pells Park.
Pastor Jeff Cottingham led the group in a short worship
service. As the new carillon played hymns the group processed,
on foot, to the present 100 year old church building for the
Festival Worship Service, where 130 were in attendance.
The order of service, for the
celebration, was taken from the 1917 Common Service Book and was
printed in a Commemorative Worship Folder for all participants
to follow. Pastor Jeff led us in worship with Rev. Ron Rasmus
assisting. Bishop of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod,
Rev. Bishop Warren Freiheit gave the inspirational sermon. In
keeping with the historic nature of the celebration the
participating pastors wore clerical gowns that were reminiscent
of those as worn in the past. A choir of fourteen members and
the First Lutheran Hand Bell choir provided music during the
service. Chuck Belanger was organist/choir director and Nancy
Krumweide directed the Hand Bells. Maryalyce Prather
accompanied the choir.
Three hundred red
roses adorned the
church. These roses were given in memory or in honor of loved
ones and were donated by members and friends of First Lutheran.
The Festival Worship Service concluded with a communion service.
After the conclusion of the service,
those present, retired to the basement where Church Council
President Frank Crego welcomed all. A delicious pork loin
dinner was served. Member Diane Heyman prepared the meal and
was ably assisted by her husband Flavel. Many ladies of the
congregation baked pies for the dessert. Several young people
from the current confirmation class assisted in pouring drinks.
Honored guests, at the head table in addition to Rev. Jeff &
Denise Cottingham and Bishop Freiheit were former pastors, Rev.
& Mrs. Walter Chelberg, Rev. Emil and Mrs. Carolyn Blobaum, Rev.
Sally Meyer and Rev. Barbara Busboom. The Mayor of Paxton,
William Ingold and his wife, and other members of the local
ministry were honored guests.
