St. James Lutheran Church Celebrates 50 Years

in Lake Forest will celebrate its 50th annioversary with a dinner and program at 5:30 p.m. April 21 at the .

In addition to musical entertainment, members will review highlights of each decade of the church's history. Most of the pastors who have served the church over the decades will be in attendance.

As part of its anniversary campaign, the church is attempting to raise $50,000 to be donated to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. So far, more than $40,000 has been raised.

As part of those efforts, the church held a congregational auction Feb. 12 and raised $9,000 - half of which was donated to Lutheran Services and the other half will cover anniversary-related events.

The first worship service of the developing church was held on March 11, 1962 in the Lake Bluff Junior High School. Ninety-four members signed the charter roll on Organization Sunday, April 22, 1962.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the church took place Oct. 18, 1964 and the building was dedicated Sept. 19, 1965.  The present sanctuary was dedicated in 1990. The marvelous 24 rank tracker pipe organ, built by Robert Sipe, was installed by March 1992.

Future anniversary events include an ice cream social Sept. 8 on the lawn of the Church. Also in the fall, a Habitat for Humanity trip to the Gulf Coast area is planned Nov. 5-10 to Biloxi, Miss.

St. James will host the community church service at 10 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 22. The service is highlighted by the combined choirs of St. James, F and , also located in Lake Forest. Pastors from all three churches will participate in the service.