Dinkey Memorial Church is marking a historic milestone as it celebrates its 175th anniversary.

Founded on April 12, 1851, the church has been a cornerstone of spiritual life in East Penn Township for generations.

Its pastor, the Rev. Anthony Pagotto, believes the church’s longevity is the work of God.

“Whenever there has been a need, God has provided in some way,” Pagotto said.

The land for the church and its adjoining cemetery was donated by Charles Dinkey, whose name would later become part of the church’s identity.

“From the very beginning to have someone donate land for the church, that was God’s intervention,” Pagotto said.

According to a history compiled by members, local residents had no nearby places to worship and came together to establish the “Pennsville Church.” It was built on the same site as the present sanctuary.

The early congregation was largely comprised of residents of German heritage who worshipped in either the Lutheran or Reformed traditions

By the early 20th century, the original structure required significant repairs.

“When the church became dilapidated and a member said, ‘We will build you a new church,’ that was God intervening there,” Pagotto said.

The members were Charles Schwab, president of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, and his wife. The couple offered to construct a new Gothic-style stone church in memory of Mrs. Schwab’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Dinkey.

With the completion of the building, the church was renamed Dinkey Memorial Church and formally reincorporated. The sanctuary was dedicated on Sept. 12, 1915.

Improvements followed, such as the transition from gas lighting to electricity in 1941, the installation of a pipe organ, and the addition of a basement for Sunday School and fellowship activities. The basement, Pagotto noted, was dug by hand by congregation members — no power tools were used.

Further expansion came in 1985, when a new Christian Education building was dedicated. The church’s old space was too small and crowded and made it difficult to create a good learning environment. Mr. and Mrs. Herman W.D. Steigerwalt offered to build a new Christian Education building, according to church records.

Pagotto believes that God moved the congregation to undertake the laborious task of digging the basement — and inspired the monetary donation for the education building.

“I am blessed to be a part of the church’s history and I pray that God continues to bless us and the community,” Pagotto said.

Approximately 300 hold membership in the church, and it sees about 70 attendees at its 9 a.m. Sunday services.

Members are all ages, Pagotto noted, with the majority leaning toward the “older end.”

“But it doesn’t stop them, that’s for sure,” he said.

The church has a monthly food pantry, for example, and volunteers are extremely committed to it.

“We call it our ‘Community Cupboard,’ and they go shopping and load up the church van with items for the pantry,” Pagotto said.

To celebrate the anniversary, the church will hold a special service at 10 a.m. Sunday followed by a community celebration from the East Penn Community Center, 403 Blue Mountain Road, Lehighton.

The guest speaker at the church service will be the Rev. Carl Shankweiler, who will share moments of the church’s history. The Rev. Gerald Ardnt, a son of the congregation, will assist with the service. Madison DeLuca, a daughter of the church who will be ordained next month, provided a video message.

In addition, Carbon County Commissioner Mike Sofranko and state Rep. Doyle Heffley will be on hand.

The community celebration will have music, food, door prizes and a gift card raffle.

“As we honor our past, we also look ahead with hope and anticipation. The same spirit that carried this congregation through 175 years continues to inspire us today. Together, we are called to carry forward this legacy. Serving, growing, and sharing God’s love in new and meaningful ways,” the church noted.