Rev. M.H. Feddersen 1882-1885
Rev. M.H. Feddersen is credited with organizing our beloved Trinity Lutheran congregation. Rev. John Karrer of Leland wrote that on the 11th Sunday after Trinity, 1881, he ordained Candidate M.H. Feddersen as preacher of the Evangelical Lutheran congregation in Petoskey, Michigan and at the same time as missionary for northern Michigan. This was done in the stead of the District President and in the presence of his congregation in Petoskey. Candidate Feddersen graduated from Concordia Seminary, Springfield, Illinois in 1881. In Rev. Feddersen’s obituary, printed in THE LUTHERAN WITNESS (30 April 1940) it reads, “after his graduation in 1881, he became circuit preacher with headquarters at Petoskey, Michigan.
His ordination took place September 4, 1881, Pastor John Karrer of Leland officiating". The obituary states "His preaching circuit included ten stations in the course of time".
The above information was researched very carefully by Rev. Bodling of Concordia Historical Institute, St. Louis, Missouri.
Trinity's records show M.H. Feddersen visited Traverse City on May 16, July 16 and October 6, 1882. These records (in German) are signed by Pastor Feddersen himself as “secretair”.
His last entry was on May 3, 1885 after which Rudolf Wiedoeft became the "secretair". He made visits to Traverse City four times in 1883: March, May, Junes and September. The entry on March 25, 1883 recorded the organization of Trinity Lutheran Church on Easter afternoon at Grace Episcopal Church - located at that time on State Street. An interesting historical note is that Perry Hannah also donated that lot on State Street to Grace Episcopal. Hannah, a pioneer of the Grand Traverse Region, donated the Seventh and Oak Street site where Trinity built its first church. In July, 1883, Perry Hannah gave Trinity congregation. a Warranty Deed and it was recorded in the Register's Office on August 25, 1883.
The lot next door to the gift lot on Seventh and Oak Streets was purchased from Perry Hannah for $150 in 1883. A mortgage was taken by the congregation with Hannah Lay and Company for $150 at 7% interest from August 15 to November 10, 1883 when it was paid. Later on a parsonage was built on this lot. Several of Trinity's members have owned this home.
During Pastor Feddersen's ministry to Trinity a church was built and dedicated. A Sunday School was mentioned for the first time in April 1884. He also carefully recorded the first elected officers which were trustees, elders and collectors. and the first building committee. The first collection of $25.80 was recorded on dedication day of the new church. July 13, 1884.
In 1884 Pastor Feddersen made nine visits to Traverse City and then three more visits in 1885 with his last entry being on May 3, 1885. Rev. John Harsch succeeded Pastor Feddersen in 1885.
Pastor Fedderson had four children: Concordia born 5/3/1883, Ernst born 10/14/1886,
Walter born 5/6/1890 and Herbert born 1/6/1903.
