Bishop Marty and his wife, Donna, joined members of Christ Church Lexington, the Lexington community, and members of the Central Deanery and other diocesan churches on Pentecost, June 9, 2019 to celebrate the 175^th Anniversary of the congregation’s establishment by Bishop Jackson Kemper in 1844.

Bishop Marty celebrated Holy Eucharist in a special afternoon service, assisted by Fr. Bill Fasel, Priest in Charge, Fr. Doug Johnson, and Fr. Tom Punzo. Prior to the service, Bagpiper Jim Higgins of Kansas City played outside church entrance for the guests and general public. The clergy then processed from outside into the church led to the altar by the bagpiper, playing the bagpipes in full highland dress including kilt and sporran.

Music for the service was provided by Perry Beam, organist, Beverly Roggenkamp, Mike Esser, Raymond Beam and Hank Beam as our choir members, and Patrick Berry and David Bohling, additional musicians.

During the service Lexington Mayor Fred Wiedner presented a proclamation expressing the City of Lexington’s appreciation for the contributions of Christ Church to the life and history of the city over the generations. Senior Warden Beverly Roggenkamp, Bishop Marty and Fr. Bill accepted the proclamation on behalf of Christ Church.

Sr. Warden Beverly Roggenkamp receiving the proclamation from Mayor Fred Wiedner. Christ Church Lexington – 175th Anniversary. Image credit: Tim Ross

Sr. Warden Beverly Roggenkamp with Bishop Marty. Christ Church Lexington – 175th Anniversary. Image credit: Tim Ross

Altar with flowers in honor of the generations supporting Christ Church. Christ Church Lexington – 175th Anniversary. Image credit: Tim Ross

Bishop Marty’s blessing. Christ Church Lexington – 175th Anniversary. Image credit: Tim Ross

175th Anniversary Eucharist. Christ Church Lexington – 175th Anniversary. Image credit: Tim Ross

Recessional, led by bagpiper. Christ Church Lexington – 175th Anniversary. Image credit: Tim Ross

After the service, church members and guests enjoyed refreshments at a catered reception in the Common Room, prepared by Lisa Ethington. Vestments from the nineteenth century, historic documents and photographs and other church memorabilia were on display. Tables were decorated with red ribbons and notecards with interesting “Did you know?” facts about the church, such as the original cost for construction, number of bricks used in the structure, and that the 1871 portable pipe organ is the oldest organ in continuous use in the state of Missouri, to mention just a few. Copies of a recently revised pamphlet containing a history and photographs of the church, its stained-glass windows, and altar vessels and banners, were available for all who attended.

Archival table showing record 21 Mormon burials from Saluda 1852 explosion. Christ Church Lexington – 175th Anniversary. Image credit: Tim Ross

Archival table with Windows of Kansas City featuring Christ Church Lexington – 175th Anniversary. Image credit: Tim Ross

Many of our guests then went on to enjoy a superb concert “Rally ‘Round the Flag” presented by the Lexington Wind Symphony. Bagpiper Jim Higgins joined the symphony, playing additional music appropriate to the concert theme. Christ Church members were especially appreciative of the Wind Symphony graciously changing the time of their concert so that the musicians we share could be available to perform at our 175^th Anniversary.

It was a memorable day for all, with the anticipated rain holding off, insuring a bright, sunny day, full of warm hospitality, catching up with former parishioners and meeting new friends and, hopefully, new congregants.

Abigail Tempel is the parish administrator, office secretary, and clerk of the vestry at Christ Church Lexington.