MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Emanuel Lutheran Church in Marion recently celebrated a significant milestone, marking 150 years of ministering to the needs of Marion and surrounding communities. This anniversary also commemorates 106 years since the dedication of the church’s current building on South Prospect Street.
The congregation gathered in September for a day of worship, music, church history, and memories, expressing gratitude for God’s blessings over the past 150 years. The event featured a sermon by Daniel Beaudion, Bishop of the Northwest Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Seven pastors, either former pastors or young men who left Emanuel to become pastors, returned to participate in the service. They joined the current Intentional Interim Pastor Michael Poole and Parish Deacon Ann Thomas in leading the congregation.
The celebration concluded with a meal and fellowship, capping a year of anniversary activities that began in September 2023. Throughout the year, several pastors traveled from as far away as Oregon to give guest sermons and share meals with the congregation, all in the spirit of giving glory to God for 150 years of service in Marion.
The theme for the year-long celebration was “Reflect, Renew, Rejoice,” a fitting tribute to the church’s enduring legacy and commitment to the community.