A Legacy Built to Last: Celebrating 75 Years of Faith, Community, and Service

On May 4, 2025, Saint Matthew Lutheran Church celebrated a monumental milestone: our 75th Anniversary. The day was a beautiful tribute to a journey that began on April 16, 1950, when 28 families signed the original Charter Membership List at the Moorestown Community House, committing to build a church to serve all.

The celebration began with a special worship service featuring guest preacher Bishop Tracie L. Bartholomew, retired Pastor Bruce W. Basset, and a special music program with guest musicians and the bell choir. Afterward, we returned to the Community House for a celebratory luncheon, connecting our present celebration with our historical roots.

Bishop Tracie L. Bartholomew in a white alb and red stole walks down the aisle of Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, reviewing a red binder, during the 75th Anniversary service
Guest preacher Bishop Tracie L. Bartholomew (right), Pastor Eric Trozzo (center), and retired Pastor Bruce W. Basset (left) pose by the baptismal font at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church for the 75th Anniversary.
Side view of the bell choir in white robes playing handbells during the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church 75th Anniversary service; a "75 YEARS" banner hangs in the background.
Front view of the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church bell choir performing, led by a conductor in white robes, during the 75th Anniversary service with a "75 YEARS" banner overhead.
Congregants hold up a green "FEED MY SHEEP" banner with felt figures during the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church service, while a pastor reads in the background
Closer view of choir members in white robes processing down the aisle with songbooks during the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church 75th Anniversary service
Members of the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church choir, in white robes and holding songbooks, process down the aisle for the 75th Anniversary service
Bishop Tracie L. Bartholomewpreaches from the pulpit at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, with a "HE LIVES" sign and stained-glass window behind her during the 75th Anniversary service
Bishop Tracie L. Bartholomew in a white alb and red stole smiles while speaking with a young acolyte in a white alb holding a processional instrument, inside Saint Matthew Lutheran Church
A young girl smiles as she holds the "FEED MY SHEEP" banner in the narthex or fellowship hall of Saint Matthew Lutheran Church
Retired Pastor Bruce W. Basset in a white alb and red stole stands smiling by the baptismal font in the sanctuary of Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, with the "HE LIVES" sign in the background
A woman wearing a vibrant purple hat and feather boa speaks at a lectern during the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church 75th Anniversary celebration
A group of seven people, including pastors in clerical collars, pose for a photo around a dining table during the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church 75th Anniversary luncheon
Close-up of the "75 YEARS" anniversary banner at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, featuring a cross, a dove, and colorful stylized figures
Close-up of the choir singing during the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church 75th Anniversary service, with some members in white robes, under the "HE LIVES" sign.
A group of women stands and sings from sheets of paper during the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church 75th Anniversary luncheon.
A man laughs heartily while seated and conversing with others during the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church 75th Anniversary celebration.
Attendees enjoy the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church 75th Anniversary luncheon, seated around a dining table with flowers and programs.
A group of attendees smiles for the camera while seated at a dining table during the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church 75th Anniversary luncheon.
A string quartet performs during the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church 75th Anniversary celebration luncheon.
A musician plays the cello as part of the special music program for the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church 75th Anniversary celebration
Scene at the altar of Saint Matthew Lutheran Church during the 75th Anniversary service, possibly during communion or offering, with the "HE LIVES" sign in the background

Voices From Our History

The occasion was enriched by letters from those who shaped our past. Former Pastor Gordon Huff, unable to attend due to health, sent a powerful message reflecting on the church’s resilience through changing times:

“With all the angst that surrounds us, the one thing that has not changed is the sure and certain victory of Christ’s Kingdom… The church will be renewed to face the future with real hope by a deeper dive into the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

We were also moved by a beautiful poem from Kathleen Birdsall, whose family was among the founding members of the church. Her words capture the spirit of our 75 years:

A dove soars high with grace,
New beginnings, a sacred place.
In St. Matthew’s hallowed halls,
God’s presence gently calls.
Seventy-five years have passed,
A legacy built to last.
By God’s grace, we’ve come this far,
Guided by His shining star.

A group of seven people, including pastors in clerical collars, pose for a photo around a dining table during the Saint Matthew Lutheran Church 75th Anniversary luncheon

A Community of Gratitude

A celebration of this scale is only possible through the immense dedication of many. We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire 75th Anniversary committee and the countless volunteers who gave their time and talent:

  • Leadership: Ruth Fausak for tirelessly leading the committee.
  • Committee Members: Rozella Bower, Marian Duda, Max Frable, Doreen Lawrence, Pastor Peggy Marks, Sandy Meany, and Brandon Uhlig.
  • Worship & Program: Pastor Eric Trozzo, Sarah England Baab (Music), Max Frable (MC), and Brandon Uhlig (Media).
  • Creative Contributions: Our Confirmation candidates for creating banners and bulletin covers, Vicki Seehafer, Alberta Douglas and her quartet, Gloria Yuffrida and Kathleen Birdsall for making beautiful stained-glass dove favors, and many more.

Thank you to everyone—especially the former pastors, members, and staff—who joined us to make this day an unforgettable part of our history.