A community’s history often is tied to the churches within its boundaries.

Such is the case with Emmaus, which until 1835 was exclusively Moravian. In 1835 the religious exclusion rule was lifted and a variety of new church groups took root.

Lutherans held their first service in the Moravian Church building in 1875.

The congregation became officially organized in 1882.

At this time members of the Lutheran and Reformed churches worked together and built the Lutheran and Reformed Union Church on the corner of Third and Green streets. The 48 members who took communion in the new building on April 30, 1882, are considered St. John’s charter members. The two congregations shared the building and offered services on alternating Sundays.

The congregations dissolved their partnership in 1922.

1923 saw the Reformed Congregation move into a new building on Fourth and North streets. The members of St. John’s established their church on the corner of Fifth and Chestnut streets.

The Lutheran church dedication, which ran for a week, began on Oct. 5, 1924.

Among the remembrances of St. John’s early years is a charming description of the first wedding performed in the new church. An excerpt from a local newspaper dated Oct. 16, 1924 describes the marriage of Miss Anna Grammes to Rev. Victor Kroninger during which “Mrs. Helen Phillips, the church organist, played the wedding march, and … sweetly sang ‘Oh Promise Me.’ ”

Many marriages, baptisms, funerals and church festivals later, St. John’s congregation will celebrate the building’s 100th anniversary of the church building Oct. 6.

Members and visitors are invited to join in traditional worship 9:30 a.m.

German elements and original hymns used in 1924 will be incorporated into the service.

All are invited to remain for refreshments and to take church tours focusing on the history of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Emmaus.