Tropical Storm Ophelia did not dampen the Longswamp United Church of Christ 275th Anniversary celebrations Sept. 24.

“Longswamp UCC celebrating 275 years of ministry is an absolute joy and, despite the torrential weather that moved our festivities inside, we are delighted by everyone who came to celebrate with us,” Rev. Kimberly Berenotto told The Press.

“This congregation has been in Longswamp since before the Declaration of Independence was signed – those first German immigrants who were worshiping together as early as 1734 chose to place their faith in God and in each other when they built the first official church in 1748. I’m still amazed by the congregation’s spirit when I reflect on how this community built a church before they even knew what the country would look like. I know this spirit of adaptability, hope and faith in God and one another lives in this congregation still today and will propel us forward into the future.”

The congregation bid for various raffle baskets, purchased baked goods and joined together in doing the cake walk, more than once. In the background, sounds from the Boyertown Alumni Band could be heard as they performed several classics, including “Pennsylvania Polka” and “When the Saints Come Marching In.”

Not to be outdone, 70 Something closed the festivities with their takes of ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s hits.