“The Little Church in the Pines” celebrated 75 years of blessings with a reunion of current and past members, pastors, family and friends Sunday, Oct. 6 at Trinity Lutheran Church of Lake George.
Contributed / Kayla Skersick
Among those visiting and sharing memories were children of the church’s first pastor, Rev. Roland Going, who served the congregation from its organization in 1948 until 1951.
Rev. Victor Dorn, who pastored the parish 1969-77, also made remarks. Dorn was also recognized for making the “living cross” that held fall daisy mums in memory of church members who have been called to glory.
The program also honored its oldest living member, Betty Wittenburg, 96. She was the wife of the late Rev. Ken Wittenburg, who served the parish 1952-55 and again 1980-89. Their son, Kermit Wittenburg, sang “The Lord’s Prayer” in memory of his father.
Contributed / Kayla Skersick
Emceeing the program was former member John Westad, now a Georgia resident. Clyde Hadrava, a son of the congregation now living in Florida, also shared memories and music. The Bessler family and Lake George Bible Chapel sang “The Family of God.”
The congregation also received greetings from Rev. Brady Finnern, president of the Minnesota North District of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Current pastor, Rev. Philip Houser, delivered the message.
The celebration concluded with a meal in the church basement, surrounded by parish archives and memorabilia as well as models of the current church and the old church.
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