Lutheran Pastor David Hess of Heidelberg Union Church greeted all the souls who made it to the church regardless of the icy weather Jan. 18.

United Church of Christ Pastor Karen Yonney told the congregations they were glad to be opening the celebration for the church's 275th anniversary.

She said there were many historic items on display in the library.

Hess said he had been collecting them for many decades and if anyone had something historic at home they were invited to bring it in.

There will be one Union service each month, said Yonney, adding the next service will be a marriage renewal Union service 11 a.m. Feb. 15.

A "love cake" luncheon will follow.

"Come and worship our God together," she said.

A youthful cheerleader, Emmalyn Fink, spelled W-O-R-S-H-I-P before reminding church members to add to the soup makings for Souper Bowl Sunday.

The call to worship thanked the loyal church members with the words, "Your presence has touched this church with your mercy and grace for 275 years."

Guest speaker state Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, thanked both pastors for asking him to be a part of this important day.

"This church is special to me because my father-in-law and mother-in-law belong to the congregation," Day said, adding he and his wife were married in the church. Day said he learned his wife's family, the Geigers family had a book listing 13 generations.

He told the congregation when he left for the church that day, he heard someone tell him to slow down.

Day said the Lord wants people to slow down so they have time to think.

"This book, the Bible, is a guide for the soul," Day said. "So, turn to your pastors. For 275 years, this church has been an integral part of life. It is a strong local family. "All members of the Legislature feel the church is important."

Saying that, he presented a citation from the House of Representatives.

The citation stated the church was founded in 1740 and met in the Jacob Daubenspeck home. Day closed with best wishes for a tradition of devoted service.

The congregation sang "Happy Birthday" to him. A hymn, "I Love to Tell the Story," was sung before several presentations were made.

In the absence due to weather of Norman Blose, who was to give a presentation about the Heidelberg building, Hess stepped in.

He said 101 years ago, the balconies with their supporting posts were added, and each post was slightly different.

The windows were smaller and there was one chandelier which could be lowered to light the candles.

There was no picture of Jesus but a window behind the altar. Lighting was poor. There was no stained glass and the organ was operated with a hit and miss engine. There was no slope to the floor of the sanctuary so the outside steps could be lower.

Two stovepipes ran through the ceiling from pot-bellied stoves. The pulpit was taller and was reached by circular steps.

A hymn, "Built on a Rock," was sung.

Eugene Handwerk told of "Our People Past and Present."

In his effort to not leave anyone out, he came up with a way to include everybody, both those who are and were instrumental in making Heidelberg a vital church.

"My plan is to let you in your own minds fill in the names.

"Who blessed Heidelberg in building future leaders?

"Sunday School teachers, carpenters, painters, those who did general maintenance and yard work, kitchen work and scheduling, setting up programs, the many with musical talents, recording history, leadership, organizers and managers.

"Last but not least we are all ministers here today ministering to the word of God to begin our celebration.

He was followed by the hymn "Here I Am Lord."

Linda Hausamann talked of "Our Ministry Together." Intercessionary prayer was begun. Twenty-two years ago the food pantry was formed. Many members give of their time. Many help the pastors. Life is not about us but to give to those in need. The hymn that went with the presentation was "Take My Life."

Hess then looked at Yonny and said, "We forgot something."

"What's that?" she asked.

"The children," he replied.

They were then invited to come forward.

Yonny asked what they think of when they thought about church.

"Isn't it amazing how many memories we have about getting to know God," said Hess.

Yonny asked what they did at VBS and the children said crafts and singing.

Hess said when he was a child, the only place to find organ music was in church and the only place with a high ceiling or stained glass windows was the church.

Yonney said the next hymn was "I Love to Tell the Story," and that is everyone's job.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving included: "We give thanks for those who responded to Your call to establish this church.

"We acknowledge our gratitude for the continuing ministry and mission of our Union Church through 275 years."