Wellesley Mennonite Church celebrates 50 years of faith and community

Following the service, the congregation gathered outside to plant a 50th anniversary tree, placing handwritten hopes and dreams into the soil as part of a meaningful act called “Rooting for Hope.” Photo courtesy of Delores Schwartzentruber

By Diane Danen

A recent anniversary celebration at Wellesley Mennonite Church marked 50 years since the church was established.

In 1974, a few families from nearby churches began exploring the idea of starting a new church in Wellesley. By September 1975, the founding congregation began worship services, and the rest is history.

The congregation has been celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout the year, and this past weekend marked the highlight of that celebration. It all began last fall when members started brainstorming ideas about how to make the anniversary year truly memorable. An anniversary planning team was established and the team came up with many ideas, including an anniversary choir, a special banner, outreach activities and community celebrations.

The celebrations started early in 2025 with a worship series that looked at both the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism and the 50th anniversary of the church. The missions committee launched an Easter giving project to support COMPASS, and the women’s ministry hosted a lively trivia night. Later in the year, a special joint service with two other churches was held. Everyone received a handmade tealight holder crafted by members of the congregation as a memento of the celebration.

This past weekend, church members and pastor Matthew Bailey-Dick hosted a series of events, starting on Saturday, Sept. 13, with a free community barbecue that drew over 200 guests. The menu featured hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and ice cream. Kids enjoyed face painting, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, cornhole and a marble racetrack.

Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak joined the celebration, offering congratulations on the church’s half-century of service. Musical entertainment was provided by local gospel-bluegrass band, Rescue Junction.

The celebration continued on Sunday, Sept. 14, with a worship service attended by approximately 125 people. Greetings were shared by Marilyn Rudy-Froese from the Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada (MCEC) and the new anniversary banner was unveiled. Former pastor Ray Martin delivered a sermon titled, “Rooted and Grounded in Love, to Live in the Fullness of God.”

As part of the service, Pastor Matthew invited everyone to write down a hope, dream, or vision for the church’s future on biodegradable paper. These messages were later planted beneath a tree in a symbolic outdoor ceremony called “Rooting for Hope.” A potluck lunch followed, offering a chance for everyone to come together and enjoy food and fellowship.

Members of Wellesley Mennonite Church were especially delighted to celebrate with the wider community, many of whom expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality and good food. Pastor Bailey-Dick expressed heartfelt thanks to all who joined in and helped make the weekend so memorable.

“The congregation looks forward to connecting with members of the community again soon at the upcoming Apple Butter and Cheese Festival,” said Delores Schwrtzentruber.

Church members and volunteers will be making and serving their well-loved apple fritters at this popular event.

Celebrating 50 years has encouraged Wellesley Mennonite Church to reflect on its journey and look ahead with renewed purpose.

“The anniversary has inspired the congregation to stay grounded in faith while continuing to hope, dream and grow into the future,” Schwartzentruber said.