ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Church leaders and members gathered Sunday morning to celebrate the legacy of a long-standing congregation on Rockford’s west side.
At 10:30 a.m., May 24, Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd held its final worship after nearly eight decades of service at 1829 N. Rockton Avenue.
In 2022, the church donated its building to the YMCA of Rock River Valley, with the Good Shepherd YMCA officially opening in 2024. The congregation continued to utilize a small chapel on the property for its services.
“I am thankful for the faithful members of Good Shepherd who built and maintained this property for decades, and then stepped out in faith to give their building to the YMCA and the people of Northwest Rockford,” said Rev. Dr. Eric Lemonholm, pastor of Good Shepherd, in a news release. ”The mission of Good Shepherd lives on at the Good Shepherd YMCA!”…