BARRHEAD – The Meadowview Lutheran Historical Society celebrated 90 years since its founding in 1935 with a special celebration on Aug. 16.
Anita Wruk is the secretary of the Meadowview Lutheran Historical Society, and her family has deep multi-generational ties to the Meadowview Lutheran Church.
“My grandparents moved from Poland, and they helped build that church,” said Wruk.
“Grandpa served on council there and my mom was baptized and confirmed in that church.”
Her grandparents, Rudolph and Lydia Kaus, were devoted members of the church.
Their daughter, who is Wruk’s mother, Martha Sader, was also a devoted member of the church.
Wruk recalls many family connections to the church, with fond memories of events and community spirit.
The Historical Society was formed in 2000 by Wilurton and Elaine Tim.
His mother had left money behind and wanted them to restore the church as a historical site.
In 2001, the first Historical Society service was held.
Today, the Society organizes one or two services a year for community members and invites anyone interested in sharing in the history of this great building.
The Christmas service is a big event, and they host the old-fashioned country Christmas.
“We do the real tree, and we do the lighting of the candles on the tree,” said Wruk.
There is a generator that provides power for some lights giving the church that special quaint feeling.
Wruk’s husband likes the old metal lanterns and attends to those for light.
The original organ still stands in the church, and it still works beautifully.
There is a wood stove that has a chamber for coal that provides the heating and when started a few hours early it heats the church well through the service.
The church service is the first Saturday of December for the Christmas program with the church beautifully decorated.
The church holds about 100 people, and they make room for everyone who attends.
Regular services at the Meadowview Church stopped in 1962 and services moved into Barrhead.
After it technically closed for regular services, community members were still using it for weddings.
Harold and Gaylene Ricks were married there in June 1984.
Marvin and Suzanne Braid got married there with their family and friends present.
Since the church was restored, weddings and funerals have been booked and attended.
“I think for me what means the most to me is that it is about my heritage. It's where my mom grew up and my grandparents were active in the church, “said Wruk.
“My husband is involved and even my kids now also helping, a four-generation thing going on.”
The church is trying to raise money so they can fix up the church.
There has been some wildlife damage that needs to be repaired to avoid any further deterioration.
Please contact Anita Wruk at 780-674-2068 if people want to donate to help restore the Meadowview Lutheran Church and help cover the costs of repair.
