I had the privilege of taking part in the special anniversary celebration in Wetaskiwin. This report reflects the impressions of several participants, along with my own personal experiences.
When we look back on an entire century, as a congregation, we are filled with deep gratitude toward God. He has led us this far in His faithfulness and grace.
The 100th anniversary of the church in Wetaskiwin became a celebration of worship, joy, and remembrance. At the same time, it was a great encouragement to us and to the generations to come. It was a day in which God’s goodness, and the power of His gospel were tangibly felt among His children.
God’s faithfulness through all generations
From the humble beginnings among German immigrants to the present day, God’s faithfulness has been a thread woven through the church’s history. Many attendees felt it a great privilege to be part of this legacy and to witness how God has carried His church through every high and low. Despite challenges and hardships, the Lord has continually added people to the congregation, preserved them, and carried them through every situation.
Many were especially touched by the realization that it is not about great names, but that every individual who serves the Lord is valued and used by Him. The church has been — and continues to be — built up through God’s work in and through people who are willing to serve. Often, this happens behind the scenes, always trusting in God’s guidance and blessing.
It also became clear how God, throughout these decades, has blessed and used many families to further His work.
The importance of fellowship and spiritual home
Many shared a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for the church, not merely as a place of gathering, but as a spiritual home. The church building is far more than just a structure: it is a place where the Word of God is proclaimed, where praise and prayer have their place, and where community is lived out.
The atmosphere during the anniversary celebration was marked by joy, mutual service, and heartfelt fellowship. The teamwork in the kitchen, the singing together, and the many conversations clearly showed how important it is to preserve places of connection and faith — especially in a time when this can no longer be taken for granted.
Living Faith and Spiritual Continuity
During the two worship services, brothers who had served in the congregation shared their experiences. In the afternoon, a detailed report was given with many photographic testimonies from past decades. It was powerfully demonstrated how faith has been passed down through generations.
Many families have been part of the congregation for decades, and it was touching to see how children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren still stand firm in faith today and are active in the church.
The Wetaskiwin church has been — and still is — a place in which holding fast to biblical truth and living in the mind of Christ shape the church life. The clear proclamation of the gospel and the emphasis on holy living have given many people guidance and stability.
The many preachers who began their service here, as well as the wide variety of ministries — from children’s and youth work to prayer meetings and Vacation Bible School — all bear witness to how God is building and sustaining His church.
Songs like “Little Is Much When God Is in It” perfectly capture the spirit: even the smallest act of faithfulness is valuable in building the kingdom of God. Repeatedly, people gave thanks that the congregation warmly and with encouragement supported the work of God’s messengers.
Music and the Testimony of Song
One special aspect of the anniversary celebration was the music. The songs that were sung recalled past times while emphasizing how essential singing together is to the identity of the people of God.
The messages of the songs — often sung out of deep personal experience — strengthened and encouraged those present. They testified to victory and preservation through the blood of Jesus and to the hope that unites us as a church.
The music was not just a beautiful setting, but a living testimony to God’s work in the hearts of His children. It touched hearts and emotions while also encouraging and strengthening the spirit.
The collaboration between the choirs from Wetaskiwin and Edmonton impressively showed the loving cooperation between these sister congregations.
Looking ahead – hope and mission
The anniversary was not only a look back, but also a faithful look ahead. The congregants were reminded that the church is built on Jesus Christ, the cornerstone.
It is both a calling and a privilege to hold firmly to biblical teaching, to love and forgive one another, and to live out God’s truth — in the church community and in our families.
The hope for what God will yet do remains alive: “The best is yet to come – eternal joy awaits us!”
And so, our prayer remains that God will continue to bless His church in Wetaskiwin, add new people, and enliven it by His Spirit.
May the testimony of the past 100 years encourage many to serve the Lord faithfully, and that many generations to come may also experience:
God’s faithfulness continues from generation to generation.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” – Psalm 34:8
Hermann Vogt
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