TONTOGANY – A gala celebration helped recognize the 150th anniversary of the Tontogany Presbyterian
Church on Sunday.
The saints, founding ancestors and the next generation of members were all recognized at some point
during the festivities.
The celebration began with a symbolic walk to the sounds of "When the Saints Go Marching In."
Many of those attending marched a few blocks to open the service to symbolize the walk taken 150 years
earlier as founders marched from the mother church, Plain Congregational in Bowling Green. It was also
symbolic of everyone’s walk on their personal "journey of faith."
The marchers sang the traditional hymn as it was being played from the church steps. Those attending said
because of the distance they were not unison, but as the marchers neared the church, they were able to
connect the melodies for the grand entrance. Some of the children of the church carried a banner for the
mini-parade which was welcomed at the church by the repeated tolling of the church bells.
The church swelled as more than three times the average attendance helped celebrate the anniversary.
During the service the youth sang a special version of "How Great Thou Art," complete with
motions they learned for the song during Bible School.
A lifetime member of the church, Merry Pomeroy, said the entire day’s events were "wonderful."

Janice Kaiser, a member for more than 50 years, echoed the sentiments. "Everything turned out
perfectly."
Pomeroy added, "I enjoyed reflecting back on our ancestors and what it must have been like for
them."
She also expressed her gratitude for the sacrifices they made to bring the church and its people to the
place "where we could celebrate the 150th."
Pomeroy said the actual worship service was "meaningful" as it not only looked to the past but
also forward to the future.
Both ladies and the pastor were all very pleased with the volume of visitors, including past members and
those descended from the founding families. At least six of those attending Sunday could trace their
family roots to the founding members.
"That was great for our heritage," Kaiser said.
Interim pastor Pamela Short said, "It was an honor to be a part of celebration."
Among the dignitaries in attendance and participating in the service were former pastor Rick Hoff, who
has served more years than any other pastor in church history; Rev. Gary Saunders, moderator; and Rev.
Susan Meier, Maumee Valley General Presbyter.
Following the service a Canadian Red Select cherry tree was planted in honor of the children of
Tontogany. There was also a potluck meal.
"Not only is this church still strong after 150 years, their mother is still living," Short
said referencing the contingent from Plain Congregational Church, which was the mother church from which
the congregation began.
Summarizing the service, Short said, "The sanctuary was full and the singing raised the roof."

Kaiser, who was playing piano agreed.
"It was powerful to have 150 people singing behind you, that was a thrill," she said.
Everything came together for the organizers and the congregation.
Short’s message was from the same scripture used at the first service.
"You could feel the presence of all those people who wanted to be there," Kaiser said.
She noted her husband, Chester Brown played the saxophone from the steps for the "Saints"
number; while Mary DeLuca, played the drums.
She also noted the concert which followed all the other activities. The pastor and pianist noted how nice
the church sanctuary looked after new carpet and painting was done.
"It had a nice fresh look, it looked very nice, "Kaiser said. "You always spruce up a bit
when you’re having company, same as home."
The day’s activities concluded with a series of all patriotic music which was played in memory of those
who died in the 9/11 terrorist attack, and also those who died in the Civil War, which started during
the time of the formation of the church 150 years earlier.
Short said of the people of Tontogany Presbyterian, "The people of this church are praying people
who love their church, love their community and love their God. They really appreciate one
another."