75 Years of Grace

CALGARY, Alta. – On Sunday, October 5, 2025, the congregation of Grace Lutheran Church enjoyed a very special celebration: 75 years of worshipping God together—a clear demonstration of God’s faithfulness to His people!

The sermon, given during the service by Grace’s pastor, Rev. Mark Ruf, encouraged the congregation to praise God for His blessings these 75 years, to keep listening to Him, and to keep trusting in Him for all their tomorrows.

The occasion was commemorated during the service with the presentation of a plaque from the District by Grace’s Executive Director, Kelly Weger; a special song, played and sung by long-time member Nancy Guebert (“Me and My House We Will Serve the Lord,” arranged by the Heritage Singers); and a show of appreciation for the past and current pastoral and administrative staff and volunteers who have served the congregation so well over the years, led by long-time member Jacque Hagen. A church family photo was also taken.

There was also a historical retrospective on the pastors and buildings that have shepherded and sheltered Grace Lutheran Church over the years, by the congregation’s longest-time member, Betty Ann Rietze (who was married in the first building). Previous pastors and locations were:

• Rev. Norman Eifert (July 29, 1951, to August 9, 1959) and Rev. Wilbert Sallach (October 18, 1959, to April 11, 1965) at the Crowchild Trail Portable Building;

• Rev. Don Unterschultz (December 12, 1965, to August 27, 1995) at the Crowchild Trail Building and the current Sarcee Road Building;

• Rev. Mark Ruf (Oct 22, 1995, to present) at the current Sarcee Road Building.

A lunch followed the service with impromptu stories told at an open mic, a big display of archival pictures, flowers, balloons, and of course, cake! Congregants also celebrated the special anniversary financial goal of paying off the mortgage. Truly a congregation blessed for “not giving up meeting together” (Hebrews 10:25)!

Cindy Wolfe

Photos by Alf Guebert

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