Immanuel Lutheran Church of Frankentrost celebrated its 160th Anniversary on Sunday, October 14, 2007 with services of thanksgiving and praise at 8:00 and 10:30am. The Rev. Dean Poellet, son of the congregation and pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Holt, Michigan, served as guest preacher at both services. Special musical offerings to the glory of God were made by the Adult and Handbell Choirs, with Mr. Bill Howard also playing trumpet.
At noon, a potluck meal was held at the school with members bringing a dish or dessert to pass. The children sang the familiar meal prayer Come, Lord Jesus in “round” before the meal. A program after dinner featured a documentary produced by Pastor Loest and Vicar Gillespie on the anniversary theme Through the Years…God Faithfully Serves.
On Wednesday, October 17, a ginkgo tree was planted by the school children as a remembrance of the occasion.
Immanuel Lutheran Church marks its anniversary each year in October as the time when, in October 1847, the original Frankentrost colonists held their first Divine Service in the home of Conrad Munker.