Lutheran faith in the Stettler area was celebrated last weekend to mark a couple of church milestones.
St. Peter Lutheran Church marked 50 years, while Lutherans commemorated 100 years of faith in the Stettler region.
“Timely moments have shaped the history of this congregation for 100 years,” said Bill Flath, who served as pastor from 1972 to 1979.
“We can call them holy moments.”
Even long after he left the area, Flath admired the Stettler congregation for its continued faith.
“I am impressed with how you have grown, not only as a congregation, but as a community in a bond of love that has grown stronger through the years,” he said.
Another former pastor echoed those words.
“I want to commend you, and those who have gone before you, for the faithful response to the gospel,” said John Tweeten, the local pastor from 1979 to 1983.
He sang a solo, while his wife Liz accompanied him on the piano.
Alfred Erichsen said the history of the Lutheran churches in the area prompted him to write a history book, “Stettler Lutheran Pioneers and Their Churches.”
A video of photos of Lutheran life and people over the decades was produced by Heather Smiley.
With an average of 100 people in the Sunday worship service, the congregation has about 260 baptized members and 190 confirmed members.