SALISBURY — Union Lutheran Church will continue its year-long celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the congregation this year. Serving the eastern Rowan area since the early 1770s, Union was originally known as the Pine Meeting House. 

On Sunday, Jan. 11, the congregation will have the second of its former pastors and sons and daughters of the congregation coming to lead worship.  

The second guest pastor will be a daughter of the congregation, Pastor Tonya Kesler Brittain. A member of the Society of the Holy Trinity, Brittain is a native of Rowan County, currently serving Christ at Zion Organ Lutheran Church in Salisbury. She began call there in January of 2022, having served First English Lutheran Church in Marysville, Ohio, for six years.

A graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University, Brittain achieved a master’s of divinity from Hood Theological Seminary, with coordinating study from Gordon-Conwell’s Lutheran House of Studies, in 2014. Her husband, Gene, is retired, and a huge support for ministry, as well as an organist.

Daughter of Faye Cauble Kesler, Pr., Brittain is pleased to be able to visit the church in which her faith was formed as they celebrate their 250th year in ministry, having been baptized, confirmed, and ordained at Union.

Union is located at 4770 Bringle Ferry Road and the worship service begins at 10:30 am. Rev. Heidi Punt is the pastor.