It’s sesquicentennial season for a number of churches in the area, and two happen to both be celebrating this weekend.

Red Oak Grove Lutheran near Blooming Prairie and St. John the Baptist Catholic in Johnsburg are both celebrating 150 years with weekend celebrations.

Red Oak Grove was organized Oct. 27, 1859, by the Rev. A.C. Preus. About eight years later, the Rev. C.L. Clausen came to serve the church, as well as four other churches, including Six Mile Grove in Lyle and Little Cedar in Adams. These churches are all celebrating sesquicentennials this year.

Red Oak Grove Pastor Gene Leiter said the 150-year mark is a testament to families remaining strong to their faith in a fast-paced society.

“Boy, when you look at seven, eight generations still rooted in a congregation that’s been here 150 years,” he said, “that’s a pretty sound statement of how strong faith is.”

The church is actually planning on celebrating over two weekends.

This Sunday, the Sons of Norway from Austin will be on hand as part of a celebration of Red Oak Grove’s Norwegian heritage. There will also be a display of classic Norwegian memorabilia outside.

On July 19, the church will welcome an anniversary choir to morning services. Following a catered lunch, the afternoon program will feature The Way Word singing group from Blooming Prairie and church members sharing memories.

“A sesquicentennial is a big thing,” Leiter said. The pastor added that he expects families from California, Florida, the Dakotas and elsewhere to travel here for the festivities.

St. John the Baptist church in Johnsburg has been celebrating the sesquicentennial all year, with their big celebration scheduled for July 11 and 12.

On Saturday, the old Freunds Store will be open in town displaying antique farm machinery from 1 to 5 p.m.

Also Saturday, some residents will portray historic and influential figures from the town’s history during cemetery walks. These will be held at 1 and 3 p.m.

The day concludes with a 7 p.m. mass.

Sunday will be marked with a parade and a number of fun activities, including a bake sale and open dance floors.

Church trustee Mark Schaefer said the 150-year mark is worthy of such a celebration.

“For us being a rural church, I think it represents a lot,” he said. “We were able to stay vibrant and active for some time.”

St. John the Baptist in Johnsburg was started by Father George Keller, who built a 16-by-20 oak log church house in 1859. The church quickly outgrew that first building, and the church has been rebuilt twice since, with the current brick building being built in 1891.

Schaefer said St John’s future looks strong because of the number of youth who are involved with the church.

“I think it’s still about families and prioritizing,” he said.