Grace United Church hosted past and present members for their centennial homecoming celebrations from Friday to Sunday, July 31 to Aug. 1.

For those who travelled from afar, the weekend was well worth the trip.

"It was very heartwarming," said Tiffany Johnson of Calgary.

"There was a sense of community here," said her father Grant Johnson. "It brought people home to their roots and allowed my children to see where I came from."

The gathering began with a reception and registration on Friday night, before the action-packed weekend kicked off.

Pancakes flipped and sausages sizzled during the breakfast held on the lawn on Saturday morning. Parishioners were also treated to a photo display of past brides and grooms. Pictures of mystery brides and grooms were shown for the assembled guests to find. Later, there was a hymn sing in the church sanctuary, a coffee party and a Tatagwa Walking Tour.

Later that evening, a catered banquet was held in the Weyburn Comprehensive School, where Jamie Bell and Blaine Weimer entertained guests with their musical talents. Art Wallace also pleased guests with his humourous monologue. Reverend Ross McMurtry, a former Grace United minister spoke a few words to end the banquet. A family dance with polka band concluded the evening.

Sunday morning featured a service with a guest preacher. Rev. Diane (Russell) Pratt of London, Ont. gave the sermon. The service also featured an anniversary choir which sang anthems for the occasion.

The weekend ended with a barbecue lunch served on the church lawn. There, a centennial cake was cut by long-time member Kate Myers.

For the people who attended the weekend, the event served as a reminder of what Grace United has meant to them.

"It's nice to know that so many people are connected to this church," said Edna Jennings. "Everyone was happy to come back home."

Elaine Zandee agreed with her friend.

"It's been nice to reminisce," said Zandee. "This weekend has been an opportunity for everyone to get back together."