Through many different buildings and locations, St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waterford has flourished, and will celebrate its 150th anniversary this weekend. (Photo by Jennifer Eisenbart)
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Throughout 2014, congregants at Waterford’s St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church have been celebrating as the venerable parish commemorates a milestone anniversary.
It was 150 years ago that early Waterford-area settlers established the church. As with society itself, the church has evolved over time. But the church’s mission of reaching out to the community and offering a biblically based message has remained steadfast.
Pat Jahn, a longtime member of St. Peter’s, has been eagerly anticipating this weekend. A special worship service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday to recognize the milestone. The Rev. John Willie, president of the South Wisconsin District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, will officiate the ceremony.
“This is an opportunity to thank God for 150 years in Waterford,” said Jahn, who served on a committee that planned the 150th-anniversary festivities that are culminating with this weekend’s program. “We wouldn’t be here without the grace of God, and we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Him.”
In addition to the special worship service – which will be reflective and celebratory – Jahn and other committee members have a number of other fun festivities planned during this weekend’s program.
Several old relics, including artifacts and photographs, are being displayed as congregants and other community members take a walk down memory lane. Jahn said there will be a visual presentation of the church’s evolution over the years.
When asked if anything interesting has been uncovered during the research of the parish’s past, Jahn said a statue of Jesus comes to mind. The item, believed to have once been on display in one of St. Peter’s former church buildings, is slightly damaged.
Jahn said it will be repaired and eventually will go on display within the current facility.
This weekend’s festivities are expected to be a homecoming of sorts. Several former congregants, who no longer attend the church, are expected to pay return visits.
“I think this really is going to be a nice anniversary for us,” Jahn said. “We’re all very blessed.”
Throughout the year, organizers of the anniversary celebration adopted a tree-themed logo with the tagline, “Rooted in Christ.” In keeping with that theme, a special tree planting ceremony is planned during regular church services at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
During a dinner program in the evening, organizers plan a few special surprises, including a recognition of the person with the oldest date of baptism and the longest-married couple.
Since the beginning of the year, St. Peter’s organizers have planned a number of fundraising activities to help fund this year’s celebration, including a chili cook off and an ice cream social. The church also had a special display during this year’s Fourth of July festivities in Waterford.
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