The McPherson Church of the Brethren will mark its 125th anniversary with three special events this fall.

The first event is an anniversary-themed worship service set for Sunday morning, Sept. 26. Ruthann Knechel Johansen, president of Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Ind., will bring the message. The McPherson College Concert Choir, the church’s senior choir, the bell choir, and instrumentalists will provide music.

The celebration will start at 10 a.m. with special music. A meal and sharing time will follow the service. An outdoor baptism is planned for the afternoon.

On Saturday, Oct. 9, during McPherson College’s homecoming weekend, the church will host an open house for college alumni and community members. The event will run from 4 to 6 p.m.

On Sunday morning, Oct. 31, the senior choir, the bell choir, ensembles and instrumentalists will lead the congregation in a celebration of the church’s rich musical heritage. Among the featured music will be an anniversary hymn by Dr. Dan Masterson and compositions by the late Donald R. Frederick.

The McPherson Church of the Brethren was organized in rural McPherson County on Aug. 22, 1885. With the founding of McPherson College in 1887, the church shifted its focus to the city. The church met on the college campus from 1888 until completion of its present building in 1926.

Members and friends of the church are encouraged to post anniversary greetings or special memories by clicking on the “Anniversary Greetings” button on this page.

Anniversary Schedule

Sunday, Aug. 22

• Actual anniversary date
• Start of “Moments from the Minutes,” short presentations based on excerpts from 125 years of church council minutes

Sunday, Sept. 26 “Celebration Sunday”

• 9:45 a.m. – Early Sunday School dismissal
• 10 a.m. – Music in sanctuary
• 10:15 a.m. – Worship
• 11:45 a.m. – Meat and Eat, followed by introductions and time of sharing

Saturday, Oct. 9

• 4:00-6:00 p.m. Open house for college alumni and community members

Sunday, Oct. 31

• 9:45 a.m. – Early Sunday school dismissal
• 10 a.m. Hymn sing (Sunday school to adjourn at 9:45 a.m.)
• 10:15 a.m. “Celebration in Music”

Anniversary Book

In conjunction with the McPherson Church of the Brethren’s 125th anniversary celebration, books are being printed covering the church’s history from 1885 to 2010. These books will include supplemental files on computer disc. They are available for $14.00 plus $5.00 shipping (in the United States). Send check or money order for $19.00 per copy to Church of the Brethren, 200 Carrie Street, McPherson, Kansas, 67460. Please be sure to include a complete mailing address and to mark your check “for history book(s).