Matsqui Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrated its 110th anniversary on June 2.
Bishop Gregory Mohr of the BC Synod presided. Former pastors, members and friends enjoyed a catered lunch and entertainment following the worship service.
In the early 1900s, new immigrants – many of them Scandinavian – settled on Matsqui Prairie, mainly a farming area.
They soon began holding church services in their homes with circuit-rider preachers.
Their first formal meeting was on July 5, 1903. A constitution was drawn up and the name Goshen Evangelical Lutheran Norwegian Congregation of Matsqui was chosen.
Sunday school was held in the local school house.
In 1904, building of the church began on donated land. The church was finished and dedicated in 1920.
Tragedy struck in 1948, when the Fraser River flooded and moved the church off its foundation.
The congregation was able to restore and remodel the church, and worship resumed in 1949 with the first resident pastor K. O. Kandal.
In 1953, the church was given its current name, Matsqui Evangelical Lutheran Church.
On the 50th anniversary, a commemorative magnolia tree was planted which still blooms every spring.
The church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2003 with the theme To God Be the Glory.
The congregation is involved in supporting local and international charities.
Services are held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.