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TRINITY'S 125th Anniversary, March 1883-March 2008. In preparing for the 125th anniversary of Trinity (known as the quasquicentennial), we thought it would be appropriate to review some of the history of Trinity throughout the coming months. We will have a year long celebration beginning January 2008 with a different former pastor speaking every month and a different theme for each month. The grand celebration of our anniversary will take place on October 19, 2008, with Rev. William Hoesman, president of the Michigan speaking. All former pastors and vicars have been invited to this celebration.
First, let's start with some reminiscences of the 100th anniversary back on July 17, 1983. Pastor Oswald Hoffmann, famed speaker for the Lutheran Hour, spoke. The following write-up appeared at that time. TRINITY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF BLESSINGS July 17, 1983, will long be remembered as one of Trinity's Red Letter Days. Along with the organization of our beloved parish, the dedication of the new facilities in 1884, 1949, and 1966, our celebration engendered the love and excitement that so typified the spirit of "our founding fathers". Trinity's special day just didn't happen. Countless members of dedicated people gave freely of their time and talents to make July 17th -- A Day of Thanksgiving and Joy. Although time and space limits the full roster of people who should be thanked, it is important that we recognize a few outstanding people and groups that helped to make the day a true witness to our gracious God. Remember, also, that planning for this one day took over a year. The real preparations began on Saturday, July 16th. Do you remember how warm the temperatures were? If you had traveled by the Church, you would have seen many heavily perspiring gentlemen trimming hedges, edging the sidewalks, carrying in chairs, and doing all of those heavy jobs that no one really wants to do. Inside the church, a group of ladies and young people were busily scrubbing the Church from "stem to stern" ...not a corner was missed by those many loving hands. Their work was aided by the completion of Trinity's new chancel lights so masterfully designed and installed by Pete Simon and his crew. What a beautiful addition they make to our worship at Trinity. Adding the creative and historical touch, Mrs. Jamie Beck designed and completed another special banner for Trinity's special services and also continued the theme in a special hall bulletin board outside of the office. Trinity's historian, Mrs. Eunice Pines, provided the parish with "A Walk Down Memory Lane" with four historical displays in the school hallway. Saturday evening brought a reception for Dr. Hoffmann, so graciously hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Loesel; Mrs. Diane Ford and Mrs. Maria Topp. Many of the area clergy, Trinity's staff, and local celebrities were treated to a delightful evening with Dr. Hoffmann. As t1le first rays of the morning sun broke on July 17th, preparations began for Trinity's "Big Day". The AAL Food Committee was busily preparing the fire pits, the musicians and choir were "tuning-up", and the final shake-down took place. With the blue and white striped tents flapping in the breeze and the warmth of the sun beginning to be felt, tine worshipers began arriving. It didn't take long to completely fill the church and the crowd began to fill the over-flow room. With the power and majesty due our God, the assembled congregation rose to unite their voices glorious hymn, "Lift N1.qh the Cross". How appropriate for the processional hymn as the processional cross, banners, the choir, and clergy led our hearts and thoughts forward to worship our God in "Joyful Remembrance and Thanksgiving". Using the ancient Order of Matins, the congregation did indeed "Come and worship the Lord". The highlight of the service certainly had to be Dr. Oswald Hoffmann's Centennial Sermon. Using the power of God's Word, his deep and penetrating voice, and a sense of humor, Dr. Hoffmann delivered a powerful message commending our forefathers' faith and challenging us to continue the mission and ministry begun 100 years ago. Using Dr. Hoffmann's words the "only disappointing thing about the day is the extreme heat!" Following the second service, the AAL sponsored a German picnic, complete with bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German music. Catching a cool breeze under the tents, the assembled were treated to a fine afternoon of entertainment and fellowship. So symbolic of the day, the guests were presented with a beautifully decorated cake, made and decorated under the watchful eye of Trinity's pillar-member, Mrs. Hattie Wilson. The sweetness of the cake certainly reminded the people of the sweetness of God's blessings which He has so faithfully poured out upon Trinity. Bearing the motto of "100 Years of Blessing", the cake declared what Trinity has been all about for these past 100 years. This marvelous day, which regretfully drew to a swift closing, ended with a meaningful and spiritual closing led by Pastor Fitz. The Lord has indeed "blessed and kept us" for "lo, these past 100 years." Click here to view the original 100th Anniversary Service booklet. Pastor Harry Krieger was noted for his clever bulletin one-liners about life and faith. Click here for some gleanings from past bulletins.
Click here to review the list of Trinity's confirmation classes from 1900 to 1983. Unfortunately, the originals are grainy and the quality is not good, but the are readable anyway.
Bulletins for each month: March 30 bulletin cover
A Voyage Back to the Founding of Trinity Lutheran Church, March 26, 1983
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