Grace Lutheran celebrates 75th anniversary

Pastors in attendance for the anniversary celebration.

PORT ALBERNI, B.C. – On Sunday, September 24, members of Grace Lutheran Church, along with guests, family, and friends, gathered for a celebration of the church’s 75^th anniversary (1948-2023). The theme was “Hold Fast, God Is Faithful,” drawing on Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”

A larger celebration was originally scheduled for June 24-25, but was postponed due to a wildfire that resulted in a three-week closure of the highway into the city.

The celebration service was officiated by Rev. Kevin Platz and the congregation was delighted to have Rev. Robert Mohns, West Regional Pastor, serve as guest preacher. Rev. Mohns reminded the people of Grace to hold fast to God, for He is faithful. Hope in the things of this world can bring disappointment, but hope in Christ is certain, for God is faithful to fulfill His promises. The Lord was faithful through the first 75 years of ministry at Grace, and He will be faithful in the challenges that the congregation faces.

The service began with a processional hymn with a beautiful banner crafted by Audrey Baron, a long-time member of Grace, which was paraded into the assembly. The banner proclaims the theme verse and displays the ministry of the church centered around Word and Sacraments. The service involved Linda Fenske, Rose Klein, Elizabeth Platz, and Eric Nystrom, who have served the congregation faithfully as musicians.

Audrey Baron and the anniversary banner.

Among the other participants in the service were Rev. Clair Denninger (emeritus) who joined the congregation a couple of years ago, and Rev. Al Dudiak (emeritus) who served the congregation in vacancy prior to the call of Rev. Platz, who participated in the service as lectors. After the service, the congregation enjoyed a luncheon and a cake.

Grace Lutheran was born out of the efforts of five different ministers who started ministry in the Alberni Valley in 1931. The congregation was organized in 1944 and the current building was erected and dedicated to the glory of God on April 25, 1948. Since then, the congregation has received the benefits of six dedicated pastors duly called to minister God’s Word and Sacraments to her people. Grace Lutheran Church will continue to hold fast to God’s Word, for He is faithful.

———————

Rev. Kevin Platz, Elizabeth Platz, and Terry Zibin

Print this article