Laona Emmanuel United Methodist Church

Members and friends of the Laona Emmanuel United Methodist church recently gathered to celebrate 150 years of God’s faithfulness and ministry. The church, originally know as the Evangelical Association, was started in 1868 when a large number of German immigrants settled in the vicinity of Laona. Phillip Miller, a preacher from the Dunkirk Mission of the Evangelical Church, held church services in homes around Laona. The church had several name changes throughout the years and became United Methodist in 1968.

On Sept. 22, 2018, a Celebration Program was held in the church sanctuary and opened with the song, “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” sung by former members of Jubilant Sound. Patricia Conti welcomed the congregation and remembered many dedicated church members from the past 50 years who went to be with their Lord. She also recognized the following current church members with the longest memberships: Janet Luczkowiak (1947), Barbara Best (1949), Olive Becker (1955), Kay Richardson (1955), Gib Bouquin (1957), Vivian Hunt (1957), Jeanine Snyder (1957), Concetta Thompson (1959). Flowers were presented to each member by Angela O’Rourke.

Barbara Best provided an interesting and entertaining history of the church.

Favorite Church Memories written by former church members, Merle Kyser, Dan Damon and Pastor Thevanesan were read by Bob Barnes, Evie Sievert and Brian O’Rourke.

Solos were sung by Marissa Hutchinson and Stephen Raghunath. Singers also included, Bertha Metzger, Dory Johnson, Barbara Best, Pat Conti, Ruth Conti, Lena Elliott, Kristin Morrison, Dorien Krieger, Evie Sievert. Bruce Sievert, Bob Barnes and Ross Conti.

Pastor Mike Spell provided the benediction.

The Celebration continued on Sept. 23, with a special Worship Service led by Pastor Mike Spell. The service started with favorite Sunday School Songs, led by Dory Johnson and Ruth Louise Conti, in memory of Alice Straight who taught the songs for many years. The call to worship was led by former Pastor Stan Scoville. Bertha Metzger sang a solo, “Wonderful Merciful Savior.” Many members wore special 150 year anniversary tee shirts and former members traveled from central New York State, Pennsylvania and as far away as Tennessee to attend the event.

An Ice Cream Social/Luncheon was held in the fellowship hall immediately following the worship service. Games were provided for the children and participants enjoyed the history displays including a time-line beginning at 1868 which followed the stairs to the sanctuary and ended at 2018. Two monitors displayed historical photos of past and present church members. The United Methodist Women provided a display of their many events. A history room had many photo albums, bulletin board displays and historical artifacts. Also, many members and former attendees sent letters of their favorite church memories and a large banner commemorating the 150th anniversary was displayed on the church building.

The Laona Emmanuel United Methodist Church is located on the corner of Wilson and Porter roads, Fredonia. All are welcome to attend worship services, Sunday at 10 a.m. Sunday School for all ages is also available at 9 a.m.

For more information, call 672-2497.