FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Christopher Jackson, Pastor
Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church
[email protected]
920-856-6420
Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church to Publicly Debut Renovated Pipe Organ at Worship-Centered Hymn Festival
Forestville, WI — January 15, 2026 — Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church will mark a significant moment in its 150-year history with a public hymn festival celebrating the debut of its newly renovated and re-imaged pipe organ. The event, titled Our Hope for Years to Come, will take place Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the church, located at 316 W. Main Street in Forestville.
The hymn festival is a worship-centered service built around congregational singing, tracing the church year through hymnody and giving voice to the faith that has sustained Saint Peter’s for a century and a half. At the heart of the service is the first public use of the congregation’s renovated pipe organ, designed in the Baroque style with modern technology and incorporating elements from the original 1974 Wahl Opus 1 instrument.
“This organ exists for one primary purpose: to support the singing of God’s people,” said Pastor Christopher Jackson. “Congregational song has always been central to Lutheran worship, and this renovation ensures that future generations will be carried by strong, faithful music as they sing the Word of God together.”
The organ renovation was completed by Robert D. Hoppe & Associates and represents a significant congregational effort, combining careful craftsmanship with a deep commitment to worship that is both reverent and enduring.
The festival will be led by Ryan Luhrs, Associate Professor of Music at Lenoir-Rhyne University and a son of Saint Peter’s congregation. Luhrs holds advanced degrees in sacred music and choral conducting and brings extensive experience in church music leadership. Under his direction, the service will feature robust congregational singing and a pop-up choir formed specifically for the occasion.
The day’s schedule includes a pop-up choir rehearsal from 2:00 to 3:15 p.m., doors opening at 3:30 p.m., and the hymn festival beginning at 4:00 p.m. Light refreshments will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.
The event is free and open to the public, with families and children warmly welcome. Attendees are invited to claim a small commemorative gift as part of the celebration. Additional details, pop-up choir registration, and gift registration can be found at https://doorcounty.church/hymn.
Our Hope for Years to Come is one event within Saint Peter’s broader 150th-anniversary observance, reflecting both gratitude for the past and confidence in the future as the church continues its mission of Christian worship, education, and service in Door County.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Pastor Christopher Jackson at the information listed above.
Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Door County
316 W Main St, Forestville, WI 54213
(920) 856-6420
https://doorcounty.church
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