Happy anniversary, friends. In 1946, following a deadly war and while still salving the wounds inflicted from the Depression, new residents settled into this rural landscape and birthed a new Presbyterian church.
“Where do people hurt?” became Dr. John Galbreath’s abiding question, compelling soul searching and practical service within our community and beyond. Each successive generation answered this question inspired by Jesus who said, “I came not to be served, but to serve.”
After all the tumult of recent years, how fitting for us to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Westminster’s founding. We too have endured conflicts and a pandemic and yet emerge with a renewed sense of gratitude for Westminster.
On September 26, we will celebrate the anniversary of the first worship service held by what became the Westminster congregation. Throughout the year, we plan to mark many of the milestones from the fledgling congregation that grew in strength and breadth.
To complement our worship and remembrances, we will celebrate. The Deacons Gala, on October 2 at Valley Brook Country Club, will be the first of several gatherings held to draw us together. Stay tuned for several other occasions in the plans.
Everyone can participate – old and young, long-term members and those who joined last year.
We invite your stories. Did you help found one of the many organizations birthed with Westminster? Describe some silly calamity that still makes you smile. What about Vacation Bible School’s growth? Share a memory of your wedding. What instilled you with a sense of integrity that held you at a time of trial?
At some point, the spark of Jesus’ love for you took hold and continues to animate your faith.
Tell us your dreams. Imagine what we can do to serve people who hurt in the 21st century. Why do you present your children for baptism, drop them off at JAM or confirmation? What more can we do to serve in Christ’s name as we shop, pack, and feed others in the community? Just as the steeple reaches to the heights, what might the breadth of our digital presence mean for enduring connections and faith?
Throughout the coming year, we will share your stories and dreams to remind everyone why we belong to God through Christ and one another at Westminster. This is hard and holy work we do together.
At Westminster’s 40th anniversary, Dr. Galbreath wrote, “But, the real importance of this occasion is not to look back, but to see in these years the foundation upon which Westminster builds for coming years. It is the future, not the past, that we have come to celebrate. Westminster’s greatest days of mission lie ahead.”
In humble service,
Jo