The Rev. Joel Willitz was installed as pastor of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan, on Sunday, January 21. The message for the day was delivered by the Rev. Paul Schneider, Circuit 3 Visitor, and the rite of installation was performed by ELS President John Moldstad. Eleven area pastors participated in the laying on of hands, and four of Pastor Willitz’s seminary classmates were guests at the service.

A catered dinner of famous Frankenmuth chicken and ham was served in the gymnasium following the service, and guests were treated to entertainment by the Hardin Street Harmony swing choir from neighboring Michigan Lutheran Seminary. Former Pastor Joel Ehlert, who had served the congregation for 41 years, retiring last October, extended a special welcome from the “Older Joel” to the “Younger Joel.”

St. John’s has recently joined the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The 700-member congregation has a rich history dating back to 1880. The original church building, constructed in 1880, was used until 1996, when it sustained extensive damage from a tornado. The congregation constructed a Parish Center building within the following year, and subsequently a new adjoining sanctuary, which was dedicated in 2000. Official ratification and recognition of St. John's acceptance into membership is anticipated for Tuesday morning, June 19, at this year's synod convention.