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The First UU Church of Rochester has been celebrating its 150th anniversary during the 2015-2016 church year. Here are some of the many events throughout the year which has made it a special time.

Potluck Lunch (September 27, 2015)
Rev. Dillman Baker Sorrells, guest minister, spoke on “So Much to Celebrate.“ We welcomed Dillman, our minister from 1992-2005, and her husband, Bob Sorrells, with a potluck lunch following the second service.

Boar’s Head Feast (October 24, 2015)
We created another memorable Boar’s Head Feast to celebrate our church’s 150th anniversary.

Musical Celebration Service/All Church Sing (November 22, 2015)
We gathered together to sing and rejoice with some of our most well-loved hymns. Our Choir and Co-Directors of Music, Joe Mish and Connie Schuelka, lead us in singing to discover what our words and music reveal about our past and present as we celebrated our 150th anniversary.

Picture Directory 
We created a picture directory to capture the congregation in its 150th year.

Stained-Glass Window (February 2016)
Stephanie Podulke designed and helped the congregation create a stained-glass window that was installed in commemoration of our 150th Anniversary. It was dedicated on Sunday, April 10, 2016.

150th Celebration Banquet (Saturday, April 9, 2016)
The 150th Anniversary Banquet for all members and friends of the church was held at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Rochester.

150th Anniversary Service and Reception (Sunday, April 10, 2016)
The Anniversary Service included guest speaker Rev. Peter Morales, UUA President; dedication of the newly-created stained-glass window and performance of a commissioned musical composition.

150th Anniversary History Video – Gifts from the Past…Legacy for the Future
A video was created to celebrate the history of the congregation and their 150 years of progressive religion in Rochester, MN.  You may view it here: 150th Anniversary Video

Members of the History Committee and the Social Justice Council also creaed projects related to the church’s past 150 years.

We have enjoyed this wonderful year of celebrating our past and look forward to building on it for our future.