BURLINGTON -- This month, the Burlington United Methodist Church will celebrate its 175th anniversary, and congregation members are planning a two-day celebration to mark the event.

The celebration is no doubt a bit more special considering that only a couple of years ago, the church was in danger of closing its doors.

"When I first came to the church (as pastor) two years ago, the membership had dwindled to eight or 10 people," Pastor Scott Mann said. "It now has 40-60 members. It's going to take some time to build it back up. But they came very close to

closing it."

The church was established at the corner of Jackson Road and Old U.S. 52 in 1828 -- 33 years before the Civil War. Church records show it was more than a spiritual center; it also served as a social hub and even a center of learning in those early days of the area's history. The church moved to its current location in 1953.

Mann said on Saturday, Sept. 20, the church will host a health fair. King's Daughters Medical center will perform health screenings. There will be gospel music, refreshments in the church fellowship hall and activities for children. Mann said congregation members are encouraged to dress in costumes of the late 1800's, the period of time when the church was founded.

Then on Sunday, Sept. 21, a 2 p.m. special service will cap the celebration.