NILES — It was on Nov. 20, 1920, that Niles Trinity Lutheran Church was established in the community with members gathering to mark the 105-year milestone with a special service and luncheon.

Pastor David Conrad, who has served the congregation for the past 10 years, said it is an achievement for a church to mark 105 years. Church members said the original church building was constructed in 1929 on North Chestnut Avenue, where the church sits today with an educational wing added to the south side of the building in 1966.

The church has 35 to 45 members who are active in the community.

For more than 50 years, the church was known for its live nativity with church members portraying characters and animals in front of the church.

Niles resident Renee Elliott, a church member, said “The church has always been very accommodating and welcoming to anyone who would like to attend regardless of denomination.”

Conrad said in his 10 years at the church, he has found that the members are very community minded and active at not only church events but local community events.

“I tell people there are no clones here. Just be who you really are and invite anyone you know who might be looking for a church like this one. A church where people are encouraged to think for themselves,” Conrad said