Seth Shaffer
Seth Shaffer
“I no longer fear him!” cried the liberated monk. A crowd pressed in around the center stage as the story of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation came to life.
The Apison, Tenn., Church transformed a soccer field into a lively town square resembling Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 2025. Started in the fall of 2024 as a junior Sabbath School project, Reformation Day has grown into a community event that provides a fun, exciting, and uplifting alternative to Halloween.
Nearly 600 visitors stepped under the 20-foot castle wall entrance, which transported them back in time. Volunteers dressed in medieval Reformation garb shared their character’s inspiring stories of faith, trial, and truth. At various booths, guests tried their hands at a printing press, handled ancient books containing truths of the Bible and history, and engaged in challenge games such as the Papal Bull Toss, Luther’s Race, and the Reformation Puppet Show. They also competed in a hobby horse race and lumberjack competition.
The Wittenburg Food Market served delicious handmade soups, breads, cheeses, freshly pressed apple cider, and sweet treats provided by Apison Church members. Guests also enjoyed live demonstrations of blacksmithing and of baking in a Dutch oven. As they listened to the Reformers’ stories and completed various challenges, visitors earned coins and stamps that could be used to participate in other games or to try yummy treats.
Throughout the evening, a story of the committed faith of the Reformers played out dramatically on the center stage. As the sun set, the festivities ended with a special water lantern ceremony that reminded participants to let their light shine brightly in the darkness.
The Apison Church is grateful for the helping hands of Southern Adventist University clubs, for the prayers and generous support of so many church members, and for the enthusiastic interest of its community. It hopes this unique annual event will continue to grow and be able to welcome larger crowds each year. By focusing on Martin Luther’s quest for truth and his unwavering firm stand on the Bible, Reformation Day aims to inspire and to continue the spirit of the Reformers.
Georgia-Cumberland | February 2026
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