43
Church celebrates anniversary with ice cream
Photo
Chuck Slenker bellows out melodic tunes during karaoke at Bethlehem Lutheran Church's Ice Cream Social June 2.
Photo
Harold Hake (left) poses with his wife Caroline during Bethlehem Lutheran Church's Ice Cream Social event to celebrate its 200th anniversary June 2.
Photo
Lucy D. (left) smiles as Handles employee Kelly Roth puts whipped cream on her ice cream sundae during Bethlehem Lutheran Church's Ice Cream Social June 2.
Photo
Neighbors | EARTHA TERRELL.Roberta Keys (left) smiels with Zion Mcpherson while they sold delicious treats during Bethlehem Lutheran Church's Ice Cream Social to celebrate its 200th Anniverary June 2.
Photo
Virgina Strom poses with her husband George who is the oldest member of the congregation and has been with the church for 95 years.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Poland Bethlehem Lutheran Church indulged in a guilty pleasure to celebrate its 200th anniversary, hosting an Ice Cream Social June 2.
“I’m really impressed that people other than church members came out,” said Caroline Hake, the event coordinator.
People of all ages lined up to choose from their favorites toppings of hot fudge, sprinkles and cherries to create mountainous ice cream sundaes during the event. Ice cream was provided by Handels.
If ice cream didn’t satisfy a sweet tooth, there was also a bake sale offering an array of more delicious treats. The celebration marked a milestone for the church and members said they were proud to be part of it.
“There is just a feeling of pride that a church can survive all the ups and downs that they go through,” Hake said.
George Strom, who has been a member of the church for 95 years, still remembers when the church was first built.
“The first church was built as a log cabin where Lake Park Cemetery stands. I have five generations of my family active in the Lutheran Church and I’ve seen my family grow up in the church,” Strom said.
The event was also a way to get connected with the community and invite more members to join.
“We’re a very small congregation and we have a challenge to continue on,” Hake said.