100TH Anniversary
The most recent quarter century: 1999-2024
“One Hundred Years of Music at EMC” See Recording
The Praise Band provided a prelude to lead us into worship. Former pastor Jonathan Brubacher brought the first message entitled What's God Up To? Do We See It?, followed by current pastor Kara Carter asking What's God Up To? How Will We Sing It? As in each celebration service, a Readers' Theatre highlighted events and questions from this 25-year period.
Following the service, anniversary cookies were enjoyed during fellowship and sharing time, followed by a genuine potluck lunch.
The Third Quarter-Century 1974-99
While exchanging greetings and renewing acquaintances, a Glad Tidings CD was played for the prelude. Former pastors Gord Alton, Marvin Shank and Ken Bechtel participated in leading the service with the message brought by Mary Schiedel, EMC's first female pastor. The reader's theatre included highlights from this quarter century. Special music was brought by a newly configured Group of Ten.
Following the service, anniversary cookies were enjoyed during fellowship and sharing time. This was followed by a lunch of BBQ smoked sausage on bun, complete with sauteed onions and other fixings.
The Second Twenty-five Years: 1949-74
The prelude was a sing-along medley of Sunday School songs from this era. In the worship service there was a Reader's Theatre highlighting the life and times of EMC, singing by the group Cherchez Vivre and the Gospel Gems. The message was brought by Maurice Martin who served as an associate pastor at EMC (1974-76).
Following the service, Cherchez Vivre brought more music and some members shared memories of Sunday School, changes in wedding ceremony practices, and what it was like growing up at EMC in the 1950's. Lunch featured dishes that were popular during this time period.
The Early Years 1924-49
On August 31, 1924, Elmira Mennonite Church held the first service in the building.
At that time, a new car cost $265 and a new home $7,720...
Gas was 24 cents a gallon...
Sirloin steak was 28 cents a pound...
The average annual salary was $2,196...
100 years creates many changes, both good and not so good ...
Might YOU be a descendant of a founding member? The handwritten archive was posted in the Basement Fellowship Hall.
