Ramsey's Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Celebrates 150 Years

Ramsey's Lutheran Church of the Redeemer on Wyckoff Avenue is a lot older than it looks. Early Lutheran congregations settled in the area as far back as 1732. The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, known as it is today, goes back to 1867. It was founded by Reverend Ephraim De Yoe and located on a patch of land on Church Street. When this building burned to the ground in 1947, the new (and current) building on Wyckoff Avenue was constructed by 1948, thanks to help of John Y. Dater.

2017 is a special year for the Redeemer. This year, the congregation celebrates 150 years of service. The campaign, entitled Living the Vision for 150 Years, involves a year's worth of activities in honor of the anniversary, which kicked off on Sunday, February 5, 2017.

Founder's Day included an historical order of worship. A special liturgy was distributed to all congregation members and guests. The liturgy, which was entitled, "The Order of Divine Service" was written in nineteenth century-style, and the sermon was delivered using the phrasings, customs, and traditions from a much older congregation. In addition, a "secquincentennial timeline" was issued to all in attendance. This outlined the happenings and developments of The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer from 1865 to current day (2017).

Mayor Deirdre A. Dillion was present at Founder's Day, and was accompanied by Council President Joseph Verdone. Likewise, many former members of the congregation were present at the event. A Founder's Day Covered Dish Luncheon followed the extended service.

As the months go on, former pastors will preach at their appointed services, and the congregation will take part in a cemetery clean-up, a "Steps of Luther" tour of Germany, a family overnight retreat, a family movie night, an old-fashioned church picnic, a golf outing, a dinner dance, and more.

A special thanks goes to the diligent steering committee: Reverend Dr. Michael Linderman, steering committee chair, Michael Vandevander, Dean Cartier, Tim Stadinski, Walt Kaiser, Bob Wortmann, Mary Wortmann, Katie Greulich, Ron Roshong, Steve Koestner, Judith Schaeffer, and Karen Vozeh.