St. John’s celebrates 100th anniversary

MAGRATH, Alta. – On July 27, a special centennial celebration service and fellowship social was held at St. John’s. It was a joyous celebration with local members, former members from afar, and participants from the community attending. Many pastors participated in the service, including Revs. Richard Williams, Fred Hertwig, Brian Amison, Richard Brown, Wendel Ritz, and West Regional Pastor Robert Mohns. Following this special service, a delicious lunch was enjoyed in the hall by approximately 95 guests.

St. John’s was formalized as a congregation in 1925, but the first Lutheran services began in 1908 with a pastor from Pincher Creek. Early services were held in private homes. As the congregation grew, services were provided by pastors from Lethbridge. These services were held in the local Presbyterian Church, the Assembly Hall, and the Town Hall. 

Shortly after World War II, the congregation decided to build a church. The first service in the new building was held on July 18, 1948. The congregation continues to hold services in this building today. A hall was added onto the church in 1991.

St. John’s has always shared pastors with other parishes: initially with Pincher Creek, then with Lethbridge, and presently with Milk River.

St. John’s praises God for blessing them over these more than 100 years with caring and compassionate pastors who have shared God’s true Word and faithfully administered the Sacraments.                  

Lila Mosser

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