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CHICO, Calif. — According to ABC News, an estimated 1,000 Christian churches close their doors each year. But it’s not that faith is fading—many people now worship online, and some congregations are merging. That makes a church that’s kept its altar open for a full century a rare find.

Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chico is one of those rare few. This month, the congregation is celebrating 100 years of worship and service.

“I love this church,” said longtime member Linda Sweet. She was confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran in 1965, when she was 13 years old. Nearly six decades later, Sweet and her family still attend services every week.

“And we all have one main goal, and that’s to serve the Lord,” she said.

Redeemer Lutheran’s first building went up on West 16th Street in 1925 — a simple structure that now serves as a private home. As the congregation grew, so did its needs. A new church was built on Moss Avenue, where parishioners still gather today.

Over the decades, pastors have come, served, and retired. Today, the ministry is led by Pastor Brennan DeForest, who says he feels both honored and humbled to continue the church’s legacy.

“It’s hugely intimidating, thinking not just about who’s come before and being faithful to them—and I remember them in my prayers—and what’s to come and who may come after me,” DeForest said.

He believes the church’s longevity is about more than endurance.

“I would say that God has promised abundant blessings to generations and generations to those who are faithful to Him,” he said.

After a century of worship, Redeemer Lutheran Church remains a cornerstone of faith and community in Chico.

The church will hold its 100th anniversary celebration this Saturday, followed by its regular Sunday worship service at 10 a.m.