South Elgin church celebrates 125 years with Homecoming service Sept. 17

As South Elgin Community United Methodist Church celebrates its 125th year in the village, longtime members gathered together to count up the years they have enjoyed at the church.

Rob Bueche tops the total with all of his 87 years. Mariam Krogh contributes 57 years, with her daughters Kathy Gabler clocking in at 57 years and Rhonda McGinnis with 47 years.

Gloria (Price) Mason comes in at 50 years, while Mary King has attended 48 years and Rose Eliasek 39 years.

The grand total for these faithful people is 385 years.

They will all be celebrating the church's longtime history with former pastors and members during the church's second event, a Homecoming service at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 at the church, 400 W. Spring St.

Already expected to attend are: Pastor William Blomberg and his wife, Diane, of Cedarville, Ill. (1963-74); Pastor Clyde Galow of Aurora (1974-1976); Pastor John Smith and his wife, Esther, of Springfield, Ill. (1976-1985); Rick Carlson and his wife, Renee, of Elgin (1985-1993); and Pastor Corydon Friedrich and his wife, Laura Dean, of Chicago (1993-1999).

More than 100 former members have also been invited. The public is welcome.

The service will feature music traditional in 1892, when the church was first chartered, five years before the village of South Elgin.

Tours of the parsonage on Prairie Street will be held after a short reception following the service.

For information, call (847) 931-0563 between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday or Friday, email cumcsouthelgin@sbcglobal.net, or visit www.cumcsouthelgin.com.