Christ Lutheran celebrates 75th anniversary

TIMMINS, Ont. – Friends, neighbours, and members gathered on July 30, 2025, to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the dedication of Christ Lutheran Church.  

Rev. Michael Brondos was the first pastor assigned to Timmins in 1946. The congregation was founded on January 12, 1947. They first gathered in Central Grade School. On June 20, 1948, a groundbreaking service was held at the corner of 8^th Avenue and Spruce Street for the site of the current church building. The congregation at that time built the building themselves, assisted by Rev. Brondos, who was also a skilled carpenter. It was completed and dedicated to the glory of God on August 20, 1950. 

Over the years, the vacancies between each of the pastorates were lengthy. Until 1963, these vacancies were opportunities for the congregations in Kirkland Lake and Timmins – South Porcupine to help each other. During the pastorate of Rev. Rucki (1963-1965), an arrangement was made for a dual parish ministry with St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kirkland Lake. It is interesting to note that today, more than 70 years later, that church is now one ministry of Christ Lutheran Church, Timmins, served by vacancy pastor, Rev. David Smilek. 

For this 75^th anniversary celebration two former pastors, Rev. Joel Kuhl and Rev. Milton Lam, were part of the celebratory Divine Service led by vacancy pastor Rev. David Smilek. East Regional Pastor Marvin Bublitz and his wife, Linda, were also able to attend the ceremony.  

The service was followed by a catered luncheon where guests and pastors shared personal memories. Rev. Kuhl recalled many memories of his 14 years of service at Christ Lutheran. Rev. Lam also had many fond memories and milestone events happen during his life while serving in Timmins. There were also members from Kirkland Lake and Cochrane who were able to attend. Emcee JoAnn Lauay and Elder Robert Schuehlein read their own speeches as well as messages from former members who were unable to attend. Everyone took the opportunity to visit together as the cake was served.  

The congregation prays that the church will continue to be present for many more years to come and continue to grow in God’s Word as it has over the past 75 years. 

Monika Schuehlein 

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