Church History

Welcome!

   As Trinity celebrates its 135^th Anniversary in 2006, it's an exciting time to reflect on the changes that have taken place throughout the years.

    The congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church was first organized November 6, 1871 and was called "German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Akron - Town of Newstead." Pastor Ernest Heydler was called to serve as the first pastor. He served from 1872-73. Worship services were held every two weeks, with about 44 communing members. The Reverend Robert W. Kelley became Trinity's first full time pastor in 1960.

    Our first church building was completed in 1876. Prior to this time the members met in various locations. The horse and buggy sheds were added in 1885, and a church tower was added in 1931. In 1949, due to the need for more rooms, especially Sunday School rooms, the church was remodeled. Before this remodeling, the students actually met in the furnace room around a card table. The current church was built and dedicated in 1969, with expansion taking place in 1989. The addition made for a new entrance and an elevator, which made the church handicap accessible, along with new classrooms, a Prayer Room and Historical Room. The copper dome from the old church was reconditioned and raised onto the new entrance of Trinity's tower.

    In 1986, Trinity celebrated its 115^th Anniversary with a Dinner Dance at the Newstead Fire Hall, with 300 members and friends attending. Sharon Schmidt presented three sketches of the buildings of Trinity at its different stages. Trinity also held its fIrst Vigil of Pentecost - a time of individuals coming to pray and reflect on God's blessings to them. Trinity also held its first Talent Auction, which is a great time for people to offer their services and handcrafted items up for bid.

    The first "Jaunt for Josh' to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association was held in 1990. This was named in honor of Joshua Schmidt, a member of Trinity afflicted with the Ducherne strain of MD.

    In 1991 a day care named "Kids of the Kingdom" opened at Trinity, offering the community a place of learning for their preschoolers. With the celebration of 120 years of ministry, Trinity dedicated its Prayer Room, with the backdrop coming from the old church, which was reconstructed and given in honor of Herman Hartwig.

    Trinity began a Wednesday Evening Worship Service in 1994, which was a contemporary service of music, prayer and scripture. The Deacon Program began with Ken Mekeel and Flo Goeseke taking instructions as preaching deacons. Helen Smith was a visitation deacon and Doug Mekeel a liturgical deacon.

    Celebration of the 125th Anniversary in 1996 included the dedication of the stained glass window, given in honor of all the pastors that had served Trinity. There were visits from former pastors Robert Kelley, Calvin Sigmon, Wayne Sipe, Bishop Lee Miller, and Assistant to the Bishop Marie Jerge. This was also a very difficult time for Trinity as they mourned the loss of their beloved Reverend Richard Schlewitt, the longest serving full time pastor they had.

    The Reverend Lauretta Dietrich was called by Trinity in 1997. A Heritage Celebration was held to share stories and remembrances over lunch. This was a coming together for all those who were long time members and those ''new kids on the block" to get to know one another better. It helped those still felling the loss of Reverend Schlewitt to share their feelings.

    Trinity's kitchen was remodeled in 1998, giving those who work in the kitchen a beautiful, moveable island to facilitate serving and preparing foods.

    September 1999 had Trinity welcoming a new pastor, Reverend Ruth Hetland, to lead us in worship and ministry. She came to us from Minnesota and felt right at home in this small rural community.

    It was decided in 2002 to offer worshippers a time to visit with one another, and the Hospitality Room was created. This is a dream come true for the Evangelism Committee! Many conversations have been held over a cup of coffee and a snack following the 8:00 am service, Sunday School, and again before and after the 10:45 am service.

    Due to the difficulty some of our worshippers had kneeling at the altar, it was decided to have kneeling cushions made in 2001. These were a Memorial gift by Mel Knerr in loving memory of his wife, Betty.

    In July 2001, Trinity was invited to share in a special time - the marriage of Pastor Hetland and Chad Peterson. A Service of Remembrance was held in Russell Park with prayers, special music and speakers paying tribute to the victims and families of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

    Another room was dedicated in 2005 - Trinity's library. It offers books to all level of readers, including fiction and non-fiction, Bible helps, inspirational and devotional reading, videos, etc. Pastor Ruth Snyder was installed as Interim Pastor to serve Trinity for two years, following the acceptance of a Pastoral Call in Colorado by Reverend Hetland.

    Julie Baldo came on board as Trinity's first paid Secretary in 2003. She is an experienced office worker, and very familiar with today's office technology.

    A two day Praying and Visioning session was introduced at Trinity. This was a time of Bible study, small group sharing, individual reflection, and creative ideas on 'What do you believe God is calling us as a church of the ELCA to become?' Trinity also adopted a new mission statement: "Be a Beacon, Seeking and Reflecting the Light of the Lord."

    Trinity has really stepped into this fast paced world. We now have an email address:trinlc@rochester.rr.com. Wow! One hundred thirty five years ago this is certainly something never thought of and, one hundred thirty five years ago, who would have thought Trinity would be ready for something of this magnitude?

    A Music Festival was held in 2004, and members of Trinity were invited to share their musical talents. Special recognition was given to Nancy Bruning, a devoted organist at Trinity for over 20 years.

    A reception was held in June 2004 to honor Pastor Ruth Snyder on receiving her Doctor of Ministry Degree.

    In 2005, the Rev. Dr. Ruth Snyder completed her two year term as Interim Pastor at Trinity. Before she left, she led an Evening of Spiritual Journeying, at which time we walked a labyrinth, then proceeded to other rooms in silence for prayer in art, music and scripture.

    On June 11, 2005, Terry White came to preach and introduce himself to Trinity's family of worshippers. A call was extended and in July, Pastor Terry and his wife Teri moved into the parsonage. He was installed as Trinity's pastor on September 18, 2005.

    A 'Trinity's Tree of Worshippers' is being developed with Tracy Dorr taking photos, which are being placed on the large window in the narthex.

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    Pastors who have served at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Newstead.

1871 ~ 1873	Ernest Heydler
1873 ~ 1885	Daniel Stahlschimidt
1885 ~ 1889	E. Reissig
1889 ~ 1892	L. Breau
1892 ~ 1894	Theodore Bauck
1894 ~ 1897	Paul P. Becker
1897 ~ 1908	H.R. Grabau
1908 ~ 1918	J.H. Bartell picture available
1919 ~ 1924	John H. Stender picture available
1924 ~ 1941	Louis E. Heuer picture available
1941 ~ 1951	Robert W. Winters picture available
1952 ~ 1959	John J. Richardson picture available
1960 ~ 1967	Robert W. Kelley ~ First resident pastor picture available
1967 ~ 1971	Calvin Sigmon picture available
1972 ~ 1981	G. Wayne Sipe picture available
1981 ~ 1996	Richard H. Schlewitt picture available
1996 ~ 1998	Lauretta Dietrich picture available
1999 ~ 2002	Ruth Hetland picture available
2002 ~ 2005	Ruth Snyder picture available
2005 ~ present	Terry L. White picture available

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More History of Trinity to come. Please check back often.