Celebrating 175 Years

1851 - 2026

Since its founding by German immigrants in 1851, Pathfinder Church has stood as a testament to God's faithfulness. Through wars, economic hardship, and the shifting tides of culture, this community has remained steadfast—rooted in faith amid an ever-changing world. 175 years later, that same spirit endures: a church committed to bringing people together, to meeting the author of life, and to living life in community.

We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone throughout 2026! Pathfinder staff and volunteers have thoughtfully planned a variety of opportunities and events to honor our history and look forward to the future God has in store for our community.

175th Anniversary Events & Activities

Mark your calendars and join in on activities and events for the whole family.

175th Homecoming Celebration

175th Homecoming Celebration

February 21st and 22nd we are inviting current and former Pathfinders to join together for a special homecoming celebration! Come hear the stories and see the evidence of God's faithfulness to generations who have pursed whole life in Jesus together.

  • Attend worship at any of our three services; Saturday 5:00pm, Sunday 9:00am and 11:00am.
  • Explore an Interactive History Exhibit featuring photos, artifacts, and stories. Plus, a Scavenger Hunt for Kids and Photo Booth. Open Saturday 6:00am-6:45pm & Sunday 10:0am-2:00pm.
  • Pancake, sausage, and eggs brunch on Sunday 10:00am-1:00pm. Register HERE for the brunch.
  • Kids Activities in the Gym (Sunday from 10:00am-2:00pm)
175 Acts of Service

175 Acts of Service

The anniversary of this congregation is not just about us as a church; it's about our role in this community—in West County, St. Louis and beyond. 

This aspect of our 175th year is still being developed, but stay tuned to learn how to get involved and be a blessing to our community this year!

175th Anniversary Offering

The following three focus areas are not necessarily a sequence of fundraising priorities, but rather complementary ways to invest in our mission to share the Gospel. These offerings will advance simultaneously as over-and-above 175th anniversary thank-offering gifts are received in the 175th Anniversary Fund. Donors may designate their gifts to one of these specific focus areas or give generally, trusting their gift to be used where needed most to help ensure that all three priorities move forward together over time.

Give a 175th Anniversary Offering
The Glory of God

The Glory of God

We want our sanctuary to clearly proclaim that Jesus is at the center of everything we do, and a thoughtfully designed, more permanent altar and cross will complete the long-held vision for this space and help future generations fix their eyes on Jesus.


Estimated Cost: $75,000

Our History and Legacy

Our History and Legacy

Focusing on God’s faithfulness across generations, we will seek to fully fund the Pathfinder Church Endowment Fund, which was originally established in the 1990s. This endowment focuses on the next generation and missions. It also provides a clear, credible home for planned estate gifts, empowering families to make legacy decisions with confidence.

Additionally, enhancing and expanding the history timeline wall (aka the Legacy Wall) will give members and guests a compelling visual story of how God has been at work at Pathfinder, helping them see their own chapter within a much larger narrative of ministry.


Estimated Costs:

  • Endowment Funding: $48,000
  • Timeline Wall Expansion/Enhancement: $2,000
Community Impact and Benefit

Community Impact and Benefit

Our final focus directs support towards initiatives that will impact the city and community in which God has placed us. We want to bless Ellisville through the construction of a new trail connector from our property to Blue Bird Park’s trail system. 

Additionally, this focus will provide the funding needed to host community-focused events, such as Pathfinder’s 175th homecoming.


Estimated Costs:

  • Blue Bird Park Trail Connector: $125,000
  • Community Events: $10,000
Give a 175th Anniversary Offering

OUR HISTORY

For 175 years, God has been at work through this church. Through the decades, the land around us has seen many changes... but through it all, this congregation has remained steadfast. Nowadays, we call it Pathfinder Church. Learn more about our roots and how we got to where we are now!

LEARN MORE