CELEBRATE THE JOURNEY
First Presbyterian Church of South Bend
1834 - 2009

A GRAND CELEBRATION of the 175-year history of First Presbyterian Church of South Bend held on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, with a special worship service, a turkey lunch and an historical program. The yearlong observance was important in that it brought the long history of our church into the forefront as we explore possibilities for the future of our church.

The October 11 WORSHIP SERVICE (at 10:45 a.m.) will feature a musical presentation by the combined choirs of our church and First Presbyterian Church of Mishawaka, which also is observing its 175th anniversary this year. Faith Steps Sunday School will featured a history presentation by Eve Pierce, in period costume. “Celebrate the Journey,” written history by Eve P., edited by Nancy Shephard; Historical Highlights of 175 years of church life and people, researched and presented by Alma McC.

Gala Celebration in the Sanctuary led by Doug Hemphill and Dave Sykes, with a historical video prepared by Doug Marsh.

Worship: "A Festival of Hymns: The Writers Tell Their Stories" featuring the combined choirs of First Presbyterian Churches of South Bend and Mishawaka and our Children’s Choir, accompanied by brass ensemble, organ, and bells is a unique festival service that features significant hymn writers through the ages, from the fourth century through the twentieth century, telling their own stories in the first person. The presentation will include brass and percussion as well as a combined Children's Choir from the two churches. The two choirs, directed by Gretchen Klanke and Susan May.

The LUNCHEON following the worship service will be catered family style, and will be reminiscent of the community turkey dinners sponsored by FPC for more than 30 years to raise funds for numerous church projects. It will be coordinated by the Congregational Life Committee, under the leadership of Joyce Schalliol.

Our CHAPEL turned into a "History Room" this fall to display church artifacts from years gone by as well as the posters made by Alma McClelland which depict this history of our church. Be sure to check out this historical display starting in late September. Les and Beth Lamon and Don and Joann Sporleder are working with Alma on this project.

The Adult Education schedule for this fall includes the following programs at 9:30 a.m.:

Jan. 11, 18 and 25 – “Happy 500th Birthday John Calvin” by Randall Zachman, Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame
April 26, May 3 and 10 – “175 Years of South Bend History” by Dr. Patrick Furlong, Professor of History at IUSB
Sept. 20 – Beth Lamon – Historical interior of the church, including art and furniture.
Sept. 27 – Alma McC. – “Our History in a Time Capsule”
Oct. 11, 18 and 25 – “History of the Presbyterian Church and Our Congregation” by Dr. Les Lamon, Professor Emeritus at IUSB

Such a successful celebration cannot be accomplished without the help of many people. A big thank you goes to everyone who led various activities. Special thanks also are in order for other members of the 175th Anniversary Committee. We appreciate the efforts of our wonderful piper Perry H., videographer Mike Byers, and the members of the Congregational Life Committee.

Events marking the 175th Anniversary included:
May 3 Anniversary Celebration: 19th Century Worship Service, “Old Time Church Social”, Organ Recital by our organist Brian Hoover, featuring period music of the last 175 years. Kindergarten to 5th grade children created Time Capsules, filled with items representative of the church today. Scavenger Hunt conducted Club 345 (grades 3-5) through downtown South Bend, including a visit to the Northern Indiana Center for History and Copshaholm, the historic home of the Oliver Family, early members of our church.

Many thanks to Nancy Shephard’s leadership and recognition of our past, present and future journey.

Our 175th Anniversary Observance ended on October 11 with a Grand Celebration worship service, luncheon, and afternoon program featuring a humorous review of our church's history. The yearlong observance was important in that it brought the long history of our church into the forefront as we explored possibilities for the future of our church. Such a successful celebration could not be accomplished without the help of many people. A big thank you goes to all who participated.