Church of the Resurrection, 6490 Clarkston Road, marks its 50th Anniversary on Palm Sunday.
‘I’ve been a member for approximately 40 years,? said Judy Roeser. ‘We’ve had our ups and downs, but I’m so grateful to the good Lord we’re still in existence and happy to celebrate our 50th anniversary.?
The first service was held on Palm Sunday, April 10, 1960. About 35 people gathered at Jack and Muriel Haupt’s home on Main Street to celebrate Holy Eucharist with Bishop Archie Crowley and the Rev. George Widdifield, rector of All Saints Church in Pontiac, assisting. With blessings from the Diocese, Widdifield and a group of families from All Saints Church stepped out in faith to establish a mission church.
The Clarkston Episcopal Mission’s first service was at the local elementary school, June 19, 1960. Less than four months later, Mr. and Mrs. John DeLind donated property for the church, and its name was selected.
The Rev. Alexander T. Stewart accepted the call to be vicar of the fledgling mission. He began his service on Nov. 6, 1960 and served 27 years until he retired. The mission was accepted as a Diocesan mission on Feb. 1, 1961.
Aug. 5, 1964, ground was broken for the new church building and construction began. The dedication took place on May 23, 1965. Construction of a new vicarage took place in 1968 and in 1974 the parish hall was expanded.
At the 1976 Annual Convention of the Diocese of Michigan, the church was accepted as a parish. In 1985, another major building renovation and expansion was undertaken and in 1989, the new addition was dedicated.
Member Larry Campaigna, who raised his family in the church since 1973, said ‘it’s great to see an institution like the church to celebrate at least 50 years, hopefully we’ll be here another 50 years.?
‘It’s just a group of very nice people that really make that church up,? he said. ‘I think that’s why I think the church has continually gone forward and is still vital on the community.?
Dianne Clark, who’s been a member with her husband Bart for the past five years, agreed.
‘We were so warmly embraced there and it feels like we’ve come home,? she said. ‘It’s a great little parish, they’re wonderful people and we’re celebrating a new priest coming in and we’re excited to be apart of all of that.?
The mission of the church is ‘to proclaim the power and love of Jesus Christ, through worship, fellowship and service to others.?
Those interested in celebrating the 50th Anniversary, as well as welcoming the new Rev. Cynthia Garman on March 28, service will be at 10 a.m. with a Holy Eucharist Rite that is filled with music and followed by brunch and fellowship.