St John Evangelical Lutheran church, Waverly, Iowa launched it’s 100th anniversary celebration on Sunday September 23.
Dr Brian Saunders, Iowa District East President, delivered the sermon at both the 8 and 10:30, services. Special music was provided by the CMC choir directed by Jean Hilmer and the bell choir directed by Eleanor Killen.
Both services honored an old tradition from a hundred years ago where the men sat on one side and the women and children sat on the other. On this day many of the St John women wore vintage hats and gloves.
The Theme for this celebration is: ONE LORD ONE FAITH ONE CENTURY OF GODS GRACE
Celebrations will continue throughout 2013 with special worship services in April, July and October.
In October of 1913, a group of Missouri Synod Lutheran families began meeting for worship in a house that remains on 4th St SW. The congregation was chartered on October 19, 1913. The first church building was located on the corner of 4th St SW and 4th Ave SW. The present structure was built in 1957.
Presently the congregation has a membership of 622 baptized members and is being served by Pastor Matthew Versemann and Pastor Keith Brustuen.
