Christ Lutheran Church: A faithful farewell after 60 years of ministry

East Regional Pastor Rev. Marvin Bublitz, Rev. Kirk Radford, Rev. Paul Schallhorn

SARNIA, Ont. – On the afternoon of June 22, 2025, the sanctuary of Christ Lutheran Church was filled with the warmth of memory and the solemnity of farewell. After 60 years of faithful ministry, the congregation gathered with former members, family and friends, and members of sister congregation Redeemer Lutheran (LCMS) for one final service—a celebration of legacy, love, and the enduring grace of God.

The church, nestled on the corner of Lakeshore and Telfer Road, for the past 40 years (and at Murphy and Cathcart Road for its first 20 years), has been a faithful spiritual home for Lutheran believers. This final gathering honoured not only the building but the lives transformed within it.

Christ Lutheran was founded in 1964, and over the decades it was shepherded by nine pastors whose leadership shaped its identity and mission. Each pastor brought unique gifts, shaping the church’s spiritual journey and nurturing its congregation through seasons of change.

With a blessing and a tear, Christ Lutheran concluded its earthly ministry—but its story continues in every life it touched, where people heard the saving Gospel message of Jesus Christ preached every week. Its chapter has closed but its legacy is eternal.

The closing service was rich with hymns, Scripture, and heartfelt reflections. Two former pastors of the congregation, Rev. Kirk Radford and Rev. Paul Schallhorn, shared messages of hope and remembrance, while East Regional Pastor Marvin Bublitz’s closing rites marked the end of an era with grace and dignity. The sanctuary, filled with familiar faces and some tearful smiles, became a living testament to the church’s enduring presence. Following the service, the altar was then stripped and the worship doors closed after the final rites were spoken. A dinner was then held to celebrate with those in attendance.

Christ Lutheran was more than a building—it was a place of belonging. From Sunday School and Bible studies to LWMLC Mission activities and gatherings, from potlucks and prayer circles to coffee fellowship, it always fostered connection and compassion. The congregation’s mission to share the eternal hope of Jesus Christ resonated through every sermon, every song, and every act of service.

“We didn’t just attend church here—we grew up here, we found faith, the forgiveness of our sins and God’s love here, we found family here, all given to us through the underserved grace of God,” said Richard Herter, an elder who was baptized at Christ Lutheran 55 years ago.

The afternoon sun cast golden light through the stained-glass crosses as the final hymn was sung. With a blessing and a tear, Christ Lutheran concluded its earthly ministry—but its story continues in every life it touched, where people heard the saving Gospel message of Jesus Christ preached every week. Its chapter has closed but its legacy is eternal.

Richard Herter, Elder

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