Summer begins to fade and our thoughts turn toward autumn. Many of us also begin to look forward to the annual St. Peter’s Homecoming Celebration. This event marks a tradition which began over one hundred years ago.
When (the little Church in the wildwood), St. Peter closed its doors to a weekly worship, it was decided then to hold a “Homecoming Service” each year.
Most of the members of the congregation that remained moved their membership to nearby Lutheran churches like Trinity, at Versailles, Friedens at Bloomer, St. Paul’s at Willowdell, or St. John, near Greenville.
Why is St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church unique? It has celebrated more “Homecoming Services” than years of regular worship services, closing in 1905; this marks the 112th annual Homecoming service!
The little, country church, was founded by immigrants from Kammerforst, Langensalza, Providence Larheim, Kingdom of Prussia, (Germany) whom settled in what was known then as “Dutch Roost” offered regular German Lutheran worship services in this log structure from 1850 till 1905. When they closed the doors in 1905, all was left in place. It looks today much as it did when they worshiped here.
This Sunday, September 17th the historic church will host the annual worship and hymn sing, reminiscent of the old German Lutheran style of the late 19th and early 20th century. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. Brian S. McGee of St. John Lutheran Church of Greenville will lead the abbreviated worship service. The Gospel lesson will be given in German and Karen Lawrence will play the original pump organ featuring many hymns of those assembled choosing to be sung.
This year St. Peters continues to participate in the Ohio Historical Society’s “Open Door Initiative”; a celebration of Ohio’s hidden gems that are rarely viewed or open to the public.
While no meal will be served, you are invited to come early and bring your lawn chairs to sit on the shady east side lawn and share remembrances of the old days of the country church.
We will serve lite refreshments after the worship and you are welcome to bring pictures and history to share!
Remember your contributions are the only financial support this historic church receives and are vital to keeping her doors open, once a year and maintaining the property for years to come. St Peter’s is a 501c.3 and would welcome your support. A contribution may be made by check to St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church c/o J. R. Kelch at 105 Greenhaven Drive Greenville, Ohio 45331.
St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church is located one mile south of Versailles just east off of State Route 185 south of Versailles, on the St. Peter’s Road. Come and enjoy an early autumn afternoon in the country.
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