Several events and special services are being planned for this summer as Crofton Congregational Church celebrates “115 years of faithful ministry and service to the community.”
The motto for the church’s 115th celebration is: “Crofton Congregational Church – Remembering the past- Celebrating the present- Looking to the future.”
This Sunday, June 5th marks Pentecost, also known as the birthday of the church.
Everyone has been invited to attend a special re-birth worship service on Sunday, June 5, 2022 beginning at 10:15 a.m. Worship will be led by Pastor Christina Driver. Cake and coffee will follow the service. To add to the festivities, those attending are invited to wear something red, the color of Pentecost and celebration.
Plans for a 115th Church Anniversary outdoor event in August with a worship service, re-enactments, kids and adult activities, music, lunch, and baptisms on the beach are underway. More details will follow soon.
Congregational Church history
The story of the beginnings of the Crofton Congregational church is rich in both faith and history.
The first regular pastor for the First Congregational Church was the Rev. John Roberts, who came to Crofton in 1907. While he was there, the church laid the cornerstone for the building in which it stills worships today, 115 years later.
The special “cornerstone” service was held on June 30, 1907 conducted by Rev. John Roberts and assisted by Rev. H. Bross D.D. and Rev. S.I. Hanford, Supt. of Congregational Missions of Nebraska.
Miss Florence Cross placed a small white Bible inside the cornerstone. The final dedication service for the First Congregational Church was held close to a year later on May 17, 1908 with many area pastors as guests including Professor H.K Warren of Yankton College.
The contents of the cornerstone will be on display, including the small white Bible as well as photos of Crofton’s main street as it appeared in 1907 and other interesting items including a copy of the Crofton Journal Volume 2-Number 4 dated June 24, 1907.
Crofton Congregational would love to hear from anyone having memories of time spent at the church on the hill.
“Have you ever attended Sunday School or Vacation Bible School at Crofton Congregational? Do you remember when the standpipe was as visible as the steeple? Did you sing in the choir? Were you or a relative married there? Do you remember running or sledding down the hill or skipping up the stone steps? Did you attend Yankton College and serve Crofton Congregational church as a student Pastor or provide special music for services? Were you involved in the Youth Group or Ladies Aid? Did you serve on the Church council or play the organ? You can send memories to Cheri Leader at rcleader@gpcom.net or contact the church through the Facebook page @Crofton Congregational Church. Watch the services on Facebook Live.”
The members and friends of Crofton Congregational church invite everyone, including past members, Crofton alumni, and those vacationing in the area to attend worship this summer.
The Congregational Church in 1907.