One hundred and fifty years ago, the founders of Lakeside stood on the shores of Lake Erie envisioning a place for the faithful to gather in community. Since then, millions of people have been beckoned to this beautiful, peaceful sanctuary to deepen their connection to Lakeside’s timeless mission…

To enrich the quality of life for all people, to foster traditional Christian values, and to nurture relationships through opportunities for renewal and growth – spiritually, intellectually, culturally and physically – while preserving Lakeside’s heritage.

With the new year, we welcome Lakeside’s 150th Anniversary – a time to honor the past, celebrate the present and look to the future. This exciting Sesquicentennial Celebration connects us to the mission through enriching religious life programs, educational lectures, cultural arts performances and recreational activities.

Read below for a glimpse of what the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee and the Lakeside Team have planned for our 150th Anniversary. Stay tuned as more highlights are announced.

The Lakeside Sesquicentennial 150th Anniversary season-long celebration is planned to Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present and Look to the Future. The celebration will:

1. Honor people, places, and events in Lakeside Chautauqua’s vibrant history.
2. Celebrate the uniqueness of the Chautauqua experience for rest, renewal and spiritual revitalization.
3. Encourage timeless Chautauqua principles for building and sustaining community

Preachers of the Week

Lakeside is a place that fosters Christian values and encourages people to grow in their faith. Every week during the summer, we welcome prominent preachers from across the nation and around the world to live in residence and proclaim the Biblical witness for the Lakeside community. In the spirit of Chautauqua, each preacher selects timely Scripture passages and expounds on his/her understanding and application of their message for our daily lives. 

We’re excited to welcome the following preachers for our Sesquicentennial Celebration. View 2023 Preachers of the Week.  

Keynote Speakers

New this year, Lakeside welcomes nationally recognized authors and thought leaders to Hoover Auditorium. This speaker series, held on select weekday evenings, inspires learning, mutual understanding and an open exchange of ideas. Topics range from sports, sustainability and space exploration to history, kindness and entomology. Continue to check the calendar as more keynote speakers are added.

Chautauqua Lecture Series

New this year, Lakeside welcomes nationally recognized authors and thought leaders to Hoover Auditorium. This speaker series, held on select weekday evenings, inspires learning, mutual understanding and an open exchange of ideas. Topics range from sports, sustainability and space exploration to history, kindness and entomology. Continue to check the calendar as more keynote speakers are added.

The arts are vital to our lives. When we gather in community for a performance or exhibit, our world is opened to new perspectives and appreciation. At Lakeside, performers take center stage to share their unique gifts, and new artists have the opportunity to create masterpieces of their own. 

For our Sesquicentennial Celebration, you’ll experience entertainment seven days a week, including three evenings in historic Hoover Auditorium. We’re happy to offer the following cultural arts programs this summer and will continue to announce marquee entertainers in the coming weeks.

Marquee Entertainment

World-class entertainers will take the stage throughout Lakeside this summer. Enjoy live concerts and performances in beautiful historic venues such as Hoover Auditorium, Orchestra Hall, the Steele Memorial Bandstand and waterfront Pavilion.​ Continue to check the calendar as more events are added.

Nurturing mind, body and spirit is at the heart of Lakeside recreation. The grounds of Lakeside encompass parks, playgrounds, sailing, nature trails, a pool, splash park and recreation courts, including shuffleboard, tennis and pickleball. Save the date for the following recreation events this summer and continue to check the calendar as activities are added.

Next summer, Lakeside Chautauqua will celebrate a milestone 150 years! Imagine the number of people who have been touched by this special community and the transforming Chautauqua pillars.  For the past year, the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee and many volunteers on subcommittees have been working diligently to create experiences that honor the past, celebrate the present and look to the future of Lakeside. You’re invited to learn more and get involved in Lakeside’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary.