They are about to celebrate 225 years of ministry.

As the oldest congregation in Carbon County, Ben Salem United Church of Christ in Lehighton has more than earned its stripes.

To commemorate its 225th anniversary, the church will celebrate its landmark milestone with a 10:15 a.m. service on Sunday.

The service will feature all of the church’s choirs, along with past ministers. A luncheon will follow.

Contemporary Daybreak, Senior Choir and Hall Bell Choir are all set to perform.

There will also be pictures and a historical display available as well.

Located at 1965 Church Hill Road since 2002, Ben Salem UCC had previously been at 1749 Church Hill Road.

Each September, the church holds an anniversary celebration.

Just six months into his tenure with the church, the Rev. Randy Lentz said he’s come to learn just how family-oriented they are.

“In the very short time that I’ve been here, I’ve had people calling me to get their children baptized, and I’m hearing ‘my grandparents and parents were married and baptized here,’?” Lentz said. “This is their home; a lot of intergenerational, a lot of family ties.”

Lentz said the church has 378 members presently in its congregation, and spoke highly of its staying power.

“The historical aspect, the longevity,” he said. “The durability and the longevity.”

Lentz noted that a lot of the churches back in the day served as “the social center of the community.”

“It’s where all of the activities were held,” he said. “The church really was the cultural center, and today so many churches are closing.”

Which is what makes the endurance of Ben Salem UCC even all the more impressive, Lentz said.

“A lot of it is family,” he said. “A lot of it, I think, is generational.”

Lentz said he’s appreciative of the congregation, and believes the celebration is a true testament to its character.

“They’re good people, hardworking people,” he said. “They’re just solid folk.”

Ben Salem UCC will hold its fall festival and basket raffle from 5-7:30 p.m. Sept. 30, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 1.

That event will include handmade crafts, a quilt raffle, bake sale, mums, along with apple pie and ice cream.

For more information, call the church office at 570-386-3870, or visit bensaleumucc.com.