Wayne’s Little Home Church marks 150th year

WAYNE – The Little Home Church by the Wayside in Wayne celebrated its 150th Anniversary on Oct. 17, 2021 and received the Illinois State Historical Society’s Sesquicentennial House of Worship Award, officials announced in a news release.

The celebration included a wine and cheese reception, a worship service, with the world premier of “Our Eternal Home” composed by Joel Raney and performed by the church choir and a brass orchestra.

Food trucks served lunch in the church courtyard and activities were held for the children.

Kathryn and Dave Karwowski were chairpersons for the event.

Wayne villagers drew up a charter for a new church and construction began in 1871, the release stated.

The original structure still stands today where an active congregation over 140 members participates as a congregation of the United Church of Christ.

Rev. Larry Dieffenbach is pastor of the church.

During the past three years, the Little Home Church has undertaken a capital campaign, “Joyful, We Restore Thee,” to raise funds for the new Wayne Community House where Sunday school, special events and community activities will be held.

The church has been an integral of the Wayne Community for 150 years and also serves a wider community for nearby cities and towns, the release stated.

More information about the church is available by visiting www.littlehomechurch.org.