Loyal Evangelical Church celebrates its 125^th birthday this Sunday at its newly remodeled building.

The new facilities will be dedicated during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service, followed by a meal.

The 2:30 p.m. service will include special music and an anniversary video, followed by refreshments and fellowship.

The Rev. Jim Barnes, National Evangelical Association pastor, will present both the morning and afternoon messages.

Photographs on display in the building lay out the church’s historical timeline.

Before the community of Loyal changed its name to show support of the U.S. during World War II, it was known as the German community of Kiel, after the German town of the same name.

In November 1895, the Kirche der Deutschen Evangelischen Friedens Gemeinde (Church of the German Evangelical Peace Congregation) was established in Kiel.

Until the 1930s, services were conducted in the German language.

Over its history, the church’s name changed several times, with the current name reflecting its affi liation with the Evangelical Association.

The original church building burned to the ground after it was struck by lightning on Mother’s Day, 1953.

A new building was constructed, debt-free, the following year.

The most recent renovations also were completed without incurring debt.

The Rev. Leon Seaton, current pastor, is retiring after serving for more than 25 years, along with his wife Roberta.

Loyal Evangelical is one of four churches in the Lomega community, which also include Immanuel Baptist Church, Omega Baptist Church and Loyal Methodist Church.

The four churches work together as a team to provide a number of joint ministries.

Among them are the Wednesday Night Kids, the Youth Fellowship, a food pantry hosted by the Lomega Lions Club; a one-day VBS and a Living Christmas display, both held at The Cedar Gate.

The churches recently packed 250 Christmas Shoe Boxes for the Franklin Graham ministry, a highlight of the year for many community members.

The church’s anniversary events are open to the public.