Celebrating 150 Years:

This past weekend, the First Unitarian Church of Northwest Indiana proudly celebrated its 150th anniversary with an unforgettable event that brought together over 100 attendees from our congregation and beyond. The day was filled with reflection, gratitude, and a deep sense of community as we honored our rich history and looked toward an exciting future.

The celebration kicked off with an insightful and moving service, led by our current minister, Rev. Tom Bozman, who shared words of inspiration about the church’s enduring mission and the importance of growing spiritually while building community. We were honored to welcome back Rev. Roger Brewin, our last settled minister who is now retired, as he returned to deliver a heartfelt message, reminiscing about his time with the congregation and offering a vision for the future.

A highlight of the service was the special video messages from two ministers who were once part of our congregation and whom we sponsored during their seminary journeys. Rev. Jenny Peek, now a minister in Idaho, and Rev. Karen Armina, serving near Madison, Wisconsin, both sent warm messages reflecting on their time with us and expressing gratitude for the support they received from our community. Their words were a powerful reminder of the ways in which our church has touched lives far and wide. We were also treated to a thoughtful speech from guest speaker Janet French, who added further depth to the day’s reflections.

Following the inspiring service, attendees gathered in the beautifully decorated Memorial Garden for a wonderful social cocktail hour. The garden provided the perfect setting for conversation, connection, and celebration, with decorations enhancing the serene and welcoming atmosphere.

The evening concluded with a fantastic dinner, catered by two of our very own members, Brandon Wright and Ed McGrew. Their delicious food and attention to detail made the meal a true highlight of the day, and guests enjoyed the opportunity to relax and share stories while savoring the incredible dishes they prepared.

Overall, the 150th anniversary celebration was a tremendous success, reminding us of the strength and resilience of our congregation over the past century and a half. We are grateful to all who attended and contributed to making this event so special. The celebration not only honored our past but also set a hopeful tone for the future as we continue to grow and live out our mission.

Thank you to everyone who helped plan, organize, and attend this incredible event. Here’s to the next 150 years!