Boehm’s UMC (13 West Boehms Road, Willow Street, PA) will host a 225th  anniversary celebration of its historic faith journey on the weekend of June 24-26. The fete begins with a Friday evening fellowship meal at 6 PM, followed by a bonfire and prayer gathering in nearby Boehm’s Chapel at 7 PM.

Descendants who bear the related names Boehm and Beam will convene Saturday morning to meet and greet new cousins, compare family research, show family photos and possibly visit the nearby gravesite of their ancestor, immigrant church planter Jacob Boehm. Several scanning stations will be set up in the church to scan photos and ephemera that can be titled and archived, while descendants receive digital copies.Additionally, members of the community and current and former members Boehm’s UMC are invited to bring old photos and documents related to Boehm’s Church, the chapel, or the annual Rawlinsville Camp Meeting to be scanned for posterity.

The ‘Kid’s Blitz’ will kick off at 2 PM on Saturday, featuring old-fashioned children’s games, a cake walk and an ice cream social.  A lively musical presentation of “This Way Up” is scheduled for 3 PM.

The Sunday celebration will feature morning worship in the chapel at 10:30 PM, followed by a church picnic open to the public. Time capsules from the 19th and 20th centuries will be opened at approximately 2 PM, followed by the burying of a 21st-century-time capsule near the new auxiliary building. The Chapel Society’s annual business meeting will follow.

Bishop Peggy Johnson will bring a message of heritage and hope at the 35th annual Heritage Sunday worship service, at 4 PM. Representatives of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference Board of Bishops, including Bishop Steve Weaver and local pastors Joe Garber and Robert Brody, will present a recently passed resolution regarding their founder Martin Boehm.  Their historic announcement may add a new chapter to Boehm’s inspiring life-story.

Participants in period dress, a circuit rider on horseback and members of the Colonial Militia will be on hand to evoke a feeling of 18th-century life. All events are open to the public, and food will be available for purchase. Definite times and additional details will appear on the Boehm’s Church and Boehm’s Chapel Websites prior to the celebration. Or call Dolores Myers, Executive Director, at 717-872-4133 for more information.