Jerusalem United Church of Christ celebrated its 175th anniversary last Sunday during its 10 a.m. worship service, followed by an open house in Trachsville.

During the service, the Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates, conference minister of the Penn Northeast Conference of the UCC, presented a plaque commemorating the 175th anniversary. State Rep. Doyle Heffley presented a certificate honoring the anniversary.

Everyone in attendance received a commemorative pen as they entered the newly remodeled sanctuary.

Jim Shafer created a 20-minute video of the church’s past and present with many of the groups represented.

After the service, they blessed Hope Hall, their new social hall and kitchen, and Friendship Room, which is decorated and furnished to look like a café.

Hope and friendship are the two concepts that Jerusalem UCC members want to bestow on everyone when they come for the first time or the 100th time. The Rev. Marian Johnson was called to this church about a year ago, after nearly two years of the church leaders and its members searching for a new full-time minister.

Johnson recalled getting teary-eyed when she drove through the Lehigh Tunnel on her way to the interview. She was coming to Carbon County, the place her grandparents called home.

“Every Sunday, I tell my church people it’s an honor and a privilege to serve them,” Johnson said. “I want this church to be home for everyone and for them to know this is the ultimate place for God’s love.”

Johnson credited the leadership team - including the consistory, the building and grounds committee, choir and Christian Education teachers - for being an “exemplary group of individuals with dedication and devotion.”

Wendy Hoppel, president of the church consistory, said there were some tough, lean years where they did not know if they were going to be able to continue as a church. The offering, membership and faith were running low.

“I truly think God had a hand in this. We had a lot of believers who helped rebuild the church,” she said.

These days, Hoppel said there is this amazing Holy Spirit at Trachsville that she, Johnson and others in the congregation can sense.

“Sometimes it feels like there are 300 people when I’m giving my sermon. Then I get the head count from someone and it’s about 110 people. When I am feeling the presence of so many people - that’s the power of the Holy Spirit,” Johnson said.

When the church formed in 1848, its roots were in the German Reformed traditions. Pastor William Helfrich was called as its first pastor and served one year. His successor, Pastor E.J. Eichenberger came in 1849 and preached there for 30 years, according to a page from the church’s history book.

Leonard Borger, the church’s oldest male member, remembers when Pastor Frank W. Smith preached here from 1885 to 1936. He received Emeritus status and served from 1936 through 1941.

“Leonard and his wife were married in this church and are about to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary,” said Hoppel.

Hoppel remembers her Sunday school teacher, Eurina Beers, teaching her the song “Jesus Loves Me.”

Hoppel is one of many church members who are part of a family tradition.

“I have been a member since birth. So was my mother. My grandmother got married here and came to church every Sunday,” Hoppel said.

As a newcomer to Trachsville - but not to ministry and chaplainship - Johnson said she feels like part of a great, big family tradition.

Before Jerusalem UCC, she served at Church of the Manger UCC in Bethlehem and 19 years as a chaplain with KidsPeace.

Rachel Shafer is also part of the growing family, which she joined when she married and had children. Growing up, she went with her family to St. Matthew’s UCC in Kunkletown.

“For me, being part of our 175th anniversary celebration represents connecting with our ancestors. I feel a special closeness to past generations and honor them for everything they have built here. I also look forward to continuing to grow the community that they built,” said Shafer, who has planned activities for the children and youth and participated in a special art project.

Approximately 40 children ages 2 to 17 and their adult teachers and advisers left their “mark” on what started as a bare tree in which the nursery, Sunday school, confirmands and youth group added their fingerprints to the canvas.

“The tree quickly became a beautiful piece bursting with color - with autumn leaves flying everywhere. The piece was personalized and says ‘Jerusalem UCC: Growing in God’s Love since 1848,’” Shafer said.

The painting was dedicated Sunday and will then be hung in a special location to honor the church’s children and the role they have played in the church’s 175-year history, Shafer said.