Lansdale’s biggest celebration is just around the corner.
The borough’s
annual Founders Day, set for this Saturday, Aug. 26, will commemorate a local icon during the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. The late Rev. Sue Bertolette, who was the pastor at St. John’s United Church of Christ for 42 years, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Dr. Sue was just one of those quiet heroes,” said Discover Lansdale President Mary Fuller. "She did a lot of good work, but did it under the radar.”
Bertolette began as an associate pastor in June 1980, then as co-pastor in 1993 and as senior pastor starting in 1999 until her passing in early August 2022,
according to an article in The Reporter.
In 1984, she was named Outstanding Young Religious Leader by the Lansdale Jaycees. She also led confirmation classes and youth Sunday School classes at St. John’s, established and taught Adult Bible studies during Advent, Lent and Summer Vacation Bible School, was honored in 2012 by the Lancaster Theological Seminary with an Award for Excellence in Ministry, and wrote
a religious column for The Reporter from 2004 to July 2022.
Additionally, she was a founding member of the North Penn Visiting Nurse Association Hospice in Lansdale and helped establish nonprofit food pantry Manna on Main Street. Bertolette also led the Veterans’ Day service in the town’s Memorial Park, organized a community Good Friday service, and helped establish the North Penn Ministerium.
This year’s Founders Day theme is "Main Street Memories,” and will include a walking tour of "Main Street Survivors” — historic buildings that remain standing along the borough’s main thoroughfare and their backgrounds — organized by the Lansdale Historical Society.
"It's a way for the community to come and celebrate, but also learn about how we were founded and and our historical path in a fun kind of way,” Fuller said.
The official schedule (more details at
discoverlansdale.org/founders-day.html):
- Opening Ceremony, 10 a.m., Lansdale Historical Society, 137 Jenkins Avenue. Honoring Rev. Dr. Sue Bertolette with Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Health & Wellness Fair, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Railroad Plaza. Free health screenings, entertainment, and vendors. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Montgomery County.
- Lansdale Festival of the Arts, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Memorial Park. 34th annual juried show and sale.
- Lansdale Historical Society Open House, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Jenkins Homestead, 137 Jenkins Ave.
- St. John’s UCC Tour, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 500 West Main Street, focusing on the sanctuary and its stained glass windows.
- Model Trains display, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Fairmount Fire Co., 100 Vine St. — and check out the volunteer company’s new Ladder 14.
- "Main Street Survivors” Walking Tour, organized by the Lansdale Historical Society. Two options: a self-guided tour at your own pace, or a guided tour starting at 1 pm from the SEPTA Passenger Station. Download a guide by clicking here, or pick up a printed copy at the historical society between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Police Station Tours, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., at Lansdale Police Station, 1 Vine St.
- District Court Tour, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., 430 Pennbrook Parkway. Visit the courtroom and chambers of Magisterial District Judge Edward Levine.
- Beer Garden, 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Century Plaza Lot behind 100 West Main St.
- Live Music Performances, Mike Guldin Rollin’ and Tumblin’ 1 - 3:30 p.m.; Philly Funk Authority, 4:30 - 7 p.m., Century Plaza Lot.
- Family Entertainment and Food Festival, 1- 7 p.m., Green Street
- Grand Fireworks Finale, about 9 p.m., view from Line Street or Penndale Middle School.
Attendees are encouraged to make use of the free parking in the SEPTA garage behind the passenger station; enter through the station’s main entrance, or via Fifth Street east of Walnut. Visit
discoverlansdale.org/directions-and-parking.html for more information.
