By Lynn Colburn
In November 2023, Faith Lutheran Church, of Jacksonville, held a gathering in its sanctuary to celebrate the church’s 75th anniversary with members, friends, family and visiting dignitaries.
The November 12 Sunday was packed with beautiful music from the church choir, children’s choir, drummer John Demien, and guest pianist and organist Andrew Salyer, as well as congregational hymns. Faith Lutheran Church Pastor Adam Dichsen said that charter members met at the YMCA in Jacksonville to start the church. He said it was important to gather and remember the faith of the past and said, “Today we celebrate!”
“Rooted in faith and growing for the future,” he said, “as branches to a vine. It was important to remember the church by also to reaching out in the community to our neighbors outside of the walls. Balanced ministry is important.”
For the 75th anniversary, the church planned to have 75 people donate 75 minutes of service, some by walking through the neighborhood and picking up trash. (The original day they had planned, October 29, 2023 after worship, was postponed due to inclement weather.)
The church also dedicated a Birch tree outside the church for its anniversary.
In addition to worshiping together, as one would expect, the celebration included eating together, which several members said Lutherans do best. They also had a coloring book with the artwork of Toni Freesen for the children.
The 75th anniversary logo is a tree with rays coming from its roots and the words “Grows, Flows, Shows” in a stream near the roots; it was designed and painted by Lillian Korous and displayed on the screen at the service as well displayed in the gathering area.
This special celebration service took place and was
followed by coffee, tea and appetizers in the gathering area with the church congregation and out-of-town guests. At 11:30 a.m., the church community gathered in its great room for a catered buffet dinner served by members. The luncheon also included a short program, which included interviews from Faith Lutheran members on the inside scoop of some of its history and other recognitions.
It was a lovely day for celebrating the building of the church 75 years ago, created after 51 people stepped out in faith to form a new Lutheran church.
