275th Anniversary
St. Daniel’s Lutheran Church
is joyfully celebrating an
extraordinary milestone in 2026!
Founded in 1751, St. Daniel’s Lutheran Church has stood as a cornerstone of faith, community, and service in the Robesonia and greater Berks County area for nearly three centuries. Throughout 2026, the congregation will host a series of special worship services, events, and historical reflections honoring generations of faith and ministry.
Calendar of Special Events
January 4, 2026
Anniversary Kickoff Worship Service & Luncheon
“Rooted in Faith, Growing in Grace”
Special Guests: Rev. Robert & Carolyn Kramer, Rev. Shelley Miller, State Representative Eric Weaknecht, Berks County Commissioner Dante Santoni
February 8, 2026
“Love Through the Generations”
March 8, 2026
“Foundations of Our Faith”
April 12, 2026
“Sing to the Lord — Honoring Our Music Heritage”
Special Music Presentation
May 24, 2026
“Spirit-Led for 275 Years”
Pentecost Sunday
Special Guest: Rev. Shelley Miller
June 21, 2026
“Gathering in Grace”
Church Picnic with Fellowship and Reconnecting
July 19, 2026
“Gathered in God’s Creation”
Possible Outdoor Location for Worship Service
August 16, 2026
“Blessing the Journey Ahead”
Blessing of the Preschool
September 13, 2026
“Growing Together”
Intergenerational Worship Service on Grandparents Sunday
October 4, 2026
“One in the Lord”
Recognizing Our Service to Others On World Communion Day
Special Guest: Rev. Bob Kramer
November 8, 2026
“Where We’ve Come From”
Looking Back On Our PA Dutch Heritage
Special Guest: Keith Brintzenhoff
December 6, 2026
“Beyond 275 Years”
Special Guests: Basic’ly Brass
“Holy Highlights from the Hill Overlooking Robesonia”
Follow along as we share weekly snippets of our 275 year history!
{ New content to be added weekly }
1. WHAT'S AN ECK KIRCHE?
Why is St. Daniel’s known as the “Eck Kirche” or “Corner Church”?
2. HOW, WHERE, WHAT, HOW MUCH?
A little more EARLY history to set the stage for St. Daniel’s congregation and first church building.
3. HE WAS THE FIRST AND THE FIRST!
Our first Pastor, John Nicholas Kurtz 1750-1770, is also considered the first Lutheran minister ordained in America.
4. YOU MEAN OUR CHURCH ALREADY EXISTED WHEN ALL THIS HAPPENED?!
History from 1771-1811.
5. THE CHURCH GROWS
The second church building was built between 1814-1817.
6. WHO IS THE "DANIEL" FOR WHOM OUR CHURCH IS NAMED???
Hint: It is NOT Daniel, the Old Testament prophet!
7. ST. DANIEL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THE CONTEXT OF U.S. HISTORY FROM 1853-1864
History from 1853-1864.
8. PHOTO SAMPLING
Do you remember any of these events? Are you in any of the photos??
9. GENEALOGICAL RECORDS - OH MY!
Reverend Aaron Finfrock was our Pastor from 1864–1891 and he left quite a paper trail!
10. OLDEN DAYS SCANDAL!
Reverend William Wilberforce Kramlich was our Pastor from 1892-1901.
11. LINING OFF WITH THE VORSINGER
VORSINGER: Derived from the German Vorsänger, meaning someone who sings first, a leader of the choir, or a cantor.
12. PASTOR PFLUEGER - PARISH PUBLISHER
Reverend Oscar Pflueger was our Pastor from 1902-1913.
13. MAJOR RENOVATIONS TO THE 2ND CHURCH BUILDING
1911 Renovations.
14. "SING TO THE LORD" MUSIC CELEBRATION PHOTO PREVIEW
Invitation to our special event on April 12 celebrating our music history – Are you in any of these photos??
15. THE PARSONAGES
Shelter for the Shepherd.
16. DANIEL BECHTEL MEMORIAL PUMP ORGAN
Repair and playing of the pump organ.
17. MINISTERING DURING A WORLD WAR & A PANDEMIC
Reverend Harvey Kidd was our Pastor from 1914-1926.
18. 1814 and 1911 CORNERSTONES
Christ is our Cornerstone, on Him alone we build.
19. DESIGNER OF BUILDINGS; WRITER OF PRAYERS
Reverend Harry Miller was our Pastor from 1926-1939.
20. SUNDAY SCHOOL - Rooted in Scripture, Growing in Faith since 1920
Sunday School Beginnings.
21. TO REMEMBER & HONOR
The Memorial Amphitheater.
ST. DANIEL'S LOST SERVICEMEMBERS
On Memorial Day 2026, we remember Earl D. Moyer, Elwood H. Wartzenluft, and John H. Wenrich.
We Pray…
Almighty and Everlasting God, we come before You today with hearts full of joy and thanksgiving, celebrating 275 years of faith, witness, and service in this congregation. We praise You for the generations who have gone before us – those faithful men and women who worshiped You in simplicity and sincerity, who taught Your word to their children, and who bore witness to Your love and mercy in word and deed. We remember with gratitude the pastors, teachers, and servants who have shepherded this flock, guiding us through times of joy and challenge, and shaping this congregation into a community grounded in Your truth.
Lord, we rejoice in the heritage we have received – a heritage built on prayer, devotion, and steadfast love. May it never be a relic of the past, but a living testament to Your grace, a source of inspiration, and a guiding light for generations yet to come. Bless all who worship, teach, and serve in this congregation today. Fill their hearts with courage, their spirits with joy, and their lives with the desire to honor You in all they do.
We lift up in thanksgiving all those who have labored faithfully in this community: past ministers who have proclaimed Your Word with passion, members who have devoted their time and talent to Your work, and families whose faith has shaped the life of this congregation. May their example continue to inspire us to live boldly in faith, to love generously, and to serve with humility and joy.
Oh Lord, we ask Your blessing on this anniversary year. May each worship service, gathering, and act of service be an expression of our gratitude and a celebration of Your enduring presence among us. Let this milestone not only remind us of the past but also encourage us to embrace the future with hope, courage, and unwavering faith. Guide us in building a community that continues to proclaim Your love, nurture Your children, and shine Your light in the world around us.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.