St. John Amelith Celebrates 175 years!
Declaration of the 175th Anniversary of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church and School of Amelith Bay City, Michigan — June 27, 2027
- WHEREAS, in June of 1852, German missionary Ferdinand Sievers organized St. John Amelith Lutheran Church to serve a colony of German immigrants who had settled in the rural community of Amelith in what is now Bay City, Michigan; and
- WHEREAS, these early settlers, many of whom emigrated from Bavaria and other regions of Germany in the aftermath of the European revolutions of 1848, established a faith-centered farming community in Frankenlust Township, cultivating the land while building a congregation devoted to worship, education, and service; and
- WHEREAS the congregation first gathered for worship in a humble log cabin that served as shelter for the earliest settlers, demonstrating the perseverance and faith of those pioneers; and
- WHEREAS the congregation grew, a wood-frame Gothic-style church was constructed in 1870, and the present church structure—standing today among the farmland of Bay County—was completed in 1912, continuing as a spiritual landmark and testimony to the enduring Lutheran faith of the community; and
- WHEREAS, throughout its history, St. John Amelith has preserved and honored its rich German heritage, with instruction in the German language in its school until World War I and worship services conducted in German for many decades thereafter, reflecting the cultural and spiritual traditions of the founding families; and
- WHEREAS, beginning in 1853, the congregation established a Lutheran school dedicated to Christian education, nurturing generations of children in faith, knowledge, and service, and continuing today as a valued ministry to families in the surrounding region; and
- WHEREAS, the church’s sanctuary, with its historic architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows, has served as a place of worship, celebration, and remembrance for generations of families whose lives have been shaped by the Gospel proclaimed within its walls; and
- WHEREAS, St. John Amelith has stood for 175 years as a beacon of faith in the rural farming community of Bay County—supporting local families, ministering to neighbors in need, and bearing witness to Christ through worship, education, and service; and
- WHEREAS, through times of growth, challenge, and change—including the service of local farmers, educators, and community leaders—the congregation has remained steadfast in its mission to share God’s Word and serve the wider community.
- NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed that June 27, 2027, is recognized as the 175th Anniversary of St. John Amelith Lutheran Church and School in Bay City, Michigan.
- On this occasion, we celebrate the faithful generations who have worshiped, learned, and served through this congregation since 1852, and we honor the enduring legacy of faith, education, and community that continues to flourish at St. John Amelith today.
- May this anniversary inspire continued commitment to remain steadfast in God’s Word, faithful to the Lutheran Confessions, thankful over our heritage and serve generations yet to come.
In witness whereof, this declaration is issued in recognition of the historic and spiritual contributions of St. John Lutheran Church and School of Amelith to the community of Bay County and the State of Michigan
