The rose bush that Anita Drinkall’s great-great-great-grandfather Stephen Findlay brought from Scotland in 1844 is still blooming, and so is the Presbyterian congregation that was born in the parlor of his Plainfield farmhouse.
Wheatland Presbyterian Church celebrated its 150th anniversary Saturday on the church grounds at 11839 S. Heggs Rd. with an old-fashioned picnic and ice cream social that recognized the Scottish heritage with bagpipe music and Highland dancers.
“The family and the history was always a big part of our life,” Drinkall said, noting that the church served as the center of community social life.
Many congregants have moved to other areas, but they still keep in touch, Drinkall said.
The congregation of Scottish immigrants started holding services in the Findlay home in 1844, and by 1856 built their first church. Outgrowing the original building, they constructed the present church in 1906.
Carolyn Mauer of Plainfield said invitations to the anniversary party were sent out all over the country. Guests numbered 135 adults “and I don’t know how many children,” Mauer said.
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People come back to revisit their memories, she noted. “One lady came, and she had her first Bible she had received from the church.”
Diane Becker, another great-great-great-granddaughter of Findlay, said church members look forward to seeing old friends. Becker was part of the committee that adorned the church with patriotic red-white-and-blue decorations for an all-American family reunion “with a little Scottish music.”
“The program was perfect,” Mauer said, offering a chance to visit with old friends, and sing some of the traditional hymns.