An Abbreviated History of Trinity Lutheran Church

Last Updated: September 2024

The following is meant to be an outline of the historical record of Trinity Lutheran Church. It begins over 100 years ago when efforts were being made by the people of Pleasant Valley to provide for their community and religious needs. It touches on the years that a small group of the faithful agonized over ways to keep the congregation going in spite of problems with attendance, financing and sometimes sporadic pastoral care.

Pastor W.H. Blanke of St Paul English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Davenport, aided in establishing the church, which was incorporated in the fall of 1906.  Dedication was also held in the fall of 1906.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION:

Article I – This association shall be known as Trinity English Lutheran of Pleasant Valley, Iowa.

Article II – Place at Pleasant Valley, Iowa

Article III – The object and purpose of this association is to maintain and support Lutheran Church and to manage and control the Business of same.  All purchase of property were upon to erect such church and to be governed by the constitution and bylaws which the congregation shall adopt at a meeting called for September 10, 1906.

The articles of incorporation were signed by the following:

 

Henry Roed

F.F. Schutter

Jessie Schutter (wife of F.F.)

Maggie Roed (wife of Henry)

Augusta Blackman

Rachel Schutter

 

Katy Donaldson (no descendants now in this area)

Margaret Phillips (no descendants with church connections)

 

“Trinity Lutheran Church”

“Do not despise the days of small beginnings”.

The original church location had previously held a grist mill. Some of the stones from the mill were used in the church foundation.  Construction was finished in 1907 at a cost of $3733.78.  This included the lot at $450.00, the building at $2072.72 and furniture at $200.00.  They received $1372.78 from subscriptions, $250.00 from the Board of Church Extension, $450.00 from further subscriptions, and borrowed $650.00 for a total of $2722.78.  Through efforts of a Ladies Aid Society, various fund-raising activities donated $800.00 to pay off the debt.

The frame building was decorated with strips of wood in an English Tudor Style and was later covered with stucco. It was heated with a hand fired coal furnace.  Lighting was with kerosene lamps.  There was no altar, but later another church donated one. (It is still in use today, now in the Sunday School area.) A belfry was built, but they could not afford a bell.  In 1950 a bell was donated, but the belfry floor was too weak to support it so it was never hung. Like the original altar, it is currently in the new church property.  The building still stands today at the junction of St Rt 67 and Valley Drive with Spencer Rd.

Pastor E.E. Campbell was the first pastor in 1910, followed by Pastor E.H. Gilmer.  During periods when the congregation was without a regular pastor, seminary students from Augustana Lutheran Seminary in Rock Island preached at Sunday services.

Later, an arrangement was made with the church in Princeton, Iowa to become a dual parish served by one pastor.  Under this arrangement, Reverend Mark A. Getzendanner served from 1917 – 1921.  He resigned to accept the task of founding St. Mark Lutheran Church in Davenport.  During the next 20 years, the students and professors of Augustana Seminary, such as Ivan Miller, George Ehrich, O.F. Melchert, E.A. Beyer, and Emil Plambeck, assisted the lay leaders of the church community. Trinity’s congregation experienced times of prosperity and times of adversity. Through the devoted work of several families, including the Schutter, Watkins, Blackman, Clemons, Kerr, Baumbach, Dodds and Pastor Donald Helm, the church survived.

In the 1920’s the building had been wired for electricity, but indoor plumbing was never installed. The Pleasant Valley Grit Club (so named because the first day they met, it was so bitterly cold that it was said it took a lot of “grit” to get there), a group of women unaffiliated with the church, but some of whose members were active in the church, supplied a wooden floor in the basement, probably in the 1920’s. They also had a well drilled which was found to be artesian. The coal furnace was replaced by oil in the early 1960’s.

Reverend Frederick Motzkus served from 1941-1947. The Ladies Aid continued to be active but many of their members were reaching the age where they no longer cared to engage in fund raising activities.  They turned over their funds ($17.00 cash and $138.24 savings) to the church.  It was used to purchase dishes for the church.  The afternoon Circle of the Church (Deborah) embroidered towels for the kitchen and voted to have an alter committee to be in charge of alter flowers also.  A mimeographed paper was given to the recipient of the flowers stating, “These flowers have been in the sanctuary of Trinity English Lutheran Church.  They have heard the hymns that have been sung, the prayers that have been offered and the sermon that has been preached.  Now, with their silent message, they come to you with our love and good wishes.”

That same year an evening circle was started (7 members).  An interesting item stated Marie Dodds moved to pay for laundering of white choir robes every 2 months and dry cleaning of black robes every 4 months.  Each is to be marked with the wearer’s name.  A younger group of women formed a Junior Guild with the goal of obtaining a parsonage so that they might attract a full-time resident pastor. 

In 1947, the congregation voted to dissolve the relationship with Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton and secured the services of Reverend B. E. Van Tassell.  Reverend Van Tassell farmed and assisted the congregation through a difficult time.  He resigned in 1951 and Dr. Beyer served as an interim pastor. 

Through the fall harvest sales, strongly supported by area residents, the goal the Junior Guild had set to provide a parsonage for a full-time resident pastor was attained in 1952 with the purchase of the John Baumbach home.  From 1952-1972, Trinity qualified as a Mission Congregation, which enabled them to receive funds for a full-time pastor.  In the fall, the Iowa Synod, ULCA, sent Pastor Robert Lorenz to be the first full time pastor at Trinity. 

Pastor Lorenz was with the church from 1952-1963. He is known to have said, “The greatest pastoral problem continues to be indifferences. Some still expect of the pastor actions and attitudes that have long been absent from the modern ministry. Others seem convinced that they are the only ones working for the church. Loyalty is so loosely defined that it has no real meaning to most.  Faithfulness to God and His church need greatly renewed emphasis in the matters of daily Bible reading, church attendance, reception of the sacraments, offerings and application of the Christian teachings to all life. Sin and the Devil have a strong hold on Pleasant Valley, and it will take strong Christians and strong Christianity to overcome that hold.”

During his years, the church grew to the extent that the building was becoming over-crowded, particularly for Sunday School, which had for years maintained a teaching ministry under the leadership of Mrs. Joseph Hesse and a few devoted leaders. Other needed community services and programs were added, particularly in the realm of youth work. A full scouting program was organized. In 1956 the Luther League sent 15 youth to Lutheran church camp in Lake Okoboji where they gave the Sunday service.  The Luther League is an organization for the teenage members of the church.  It provides these young people with both sacred and educational activities. They visited other denominational churches, kept the grounds clean, and did Christmas caroling.

Also in 1956 the Women of the Church organized with a new constitution, officers and a new name “Women of Ladies Aide Society, eventually growing to have 2 circles. In 1957 the church membership was very active with A.M. Service at 64, P.M. at 43 and Sunday School at 71. Luther League, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Junior Stewards were active and a nursery was established.

Study, fellowship and service projects were carried out in an expanded rate until it became necessary to devote the major part of church resources to planning a new facility.

A congregational meeting in November 1955 had authorized that steps be taken toward erection of a new building and pledges were taken that Fall to begin accumulation of funds needed through the congregation to obtain financing. A building committee of Phillip Goettach, Tom Hoffbauer, John Kaufmann, Wes Musal, Ray Baumbach and Alice Watkins was formed and through long hours of effort, complicated by many headaches, twenty-nine acres of unimproved land was purchased from Louise Treft on Criswell Road and the ground for the new structure was broken on July 19, 1959.  The church did not need all of this land so Frank Clemons bought 17 acres for $4,500 and sold off residential lots with restrictions.  The undeveloped land remains behind the church.

Had they known the delays to be faced because of bad weather in the fall of 1959-1960 perhaps they would not have started construction then.  But with persistence and care of the men of C.S. Anderson Construction Company, Moline, Illinois, and their suppliers and sub-contractors resulted in the quality construction evident.  The building encloses 74,260 cubic feet with 6,340 sq. ft. of useful floor area. The building was built of redwood, glass, quartz embedded in concrete, aluminum and plastic.  The total cost of the land, construction and furnishings was $109,000.

In 1960 meetings were held to raise money to keep the church going.  Pastor Lorenz was given permission to drive a school bus to supplement his income.  A cookbook was published to help with finances.  Three services were started and VBS continued to be very popular with 107 children.

The new building on Criswell Road was dedicated on February 19, 1961.  The night preceding the dedication, all of Iowa except the Pleasant Valley area suffered from a sleet storm.  But the 19th dawned bright and sunny.  The church itself was dedicated at the morning service, the afternoon service was held for the dedication of memorials and the evening service included an organ concert with the organ furnished by Kaiser Piano Company.  Over 800 people attended the all-day dedication. 

The building was planned as the first unit of three, designed to serve the ultimate needs of the community in the area of worship, education and fellowship.  Adequate land area was reserved for them and for a parsonage as well as picnic and playground areas, to form gardens in a park-like setting.  With the completion of this church, the congregation planned to again expand its services and leadership for the community, particularly in fellowship and study projects including, at some point, a Men’s Club and a Couple’s Club.

The old church had been the site of many Harvest Festivals when chicken suppers were served to hundreds from a very small dining area.  There were also auctions and bazaars.  A building which has served the community for this many years is not content to sit still.  In 1964 the building was remodeled and is now the Pleasant Valley Post Office - the only one in the country that was formerly a church.  

By 1962 finances were under control.  A Parish library was started. Junior, Intermediate and Senior Catechism classes were formed plus a junior choir.  A used organ was purchased which was the first for the church and would remain in use until a new organ was acquired in1978. LaVerge Farwell became the new organist.

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The following is meant to be an outline of the historical record of Trinity Lutheran Church. It begins over 100 years ago when efforts were being made by the people of Pleasant Valley to provide for their community and religious needs. It touches on the years that a small group of the faithful agonized over ways to keep the congregation going in spite of problems with attendance, financing and sometimes sporadic pastoral care.

Pastor W.H. Blanke of St Paul English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Davenport, aided in establishing the church, which was incorporated in the fall of 1906.  Dedication was also held in the fall of 1906.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION:

Article I – This association shall be known as Trinity English Lutheran of Pleasant Valley, Iowa.

Article II – Place at Pleasant Valley, Iowa

Article III – The object and purpose of this association is to maintain and support Lutheran Church and to manage and control the Business of same.  All purchase of property were upon to erect such church and to be governed by the constitution and bylaws which the congregation shall adopt at a meeting called for September 10, 1906.

The articles of incorporation were signed by the following:

 

Henry Roed

F.F. Schutter

Jessie Schutter (wife of F.F.)

Maggie Roed (wife of Henry)

Augusta Blackman

Rachel Schutter

 

Katy Donaldson (no descendants now in this area)

Margaret Phillips (no descendants with church connections)

 

“Trinity Lutheran Church”

“Do not despise the days of small beginnings”.

The original church location had previously held a grist mill. Some of the stones from the mill were used in the church foundation.  Construction was finished in 1907 at a cost of $3733.78.  This included the lot at $450.00, the building at $2072.72 and furniture at $200.00.  They received $1372.78 from subscriptions, $250.00 from the Board of Church Extension, $450.00 from further subscriptions, and borrowed $650.00 for a total of $2722.78.  Through efforts of a Ladies Aid Society, various fund-raising activities donated $800.00 to pay off the debt.

The frame building was decorated with strips of wood in an English Tudor Style and was later covered with stucco. It was heated with a hand fired coal furnace.  Lighting was with kerosene lamps.  There was no altar, but later another church donated one. (It is still in use today, now in the Sunday School area.) A belfry was built, but they could not afford a bell.  In 1950 a bell was donated, but the belfry floor was too weak to support it so it was never hung. Like the original altar, it is currently in the new church property.  The building still stands today at the junction of St Rt 67 and Valley Drive with Spencer Rd.

Pastor E.E. Campbell was the first pastor in 1910, followed by Pastor E.H. Gilmer.  During periods when the congregation was without a regular pastor, seminary students from Augustana Lutheran Seminary in Rock Island preached at Sunday services.

Later, an arrangement was made with the church in Princeton, Iowa to become a dual parish served by one pastor.  Under this arrangement, Reverend Mark A. Getzendanner served from 1917 – 1921.  He resigned to accept the task of founding St. Mark Lutheran Church in Davenport.  During the next 20 years, the students and professors of Augustana Seminary, such as Ivan Miller, George Ehrich, O.F. Melchert, E.A. Beyer, and Emil Plambeck, assisted the lay leaders of the church community. Trinity’s congregation experienced times of prosperity and times of adversity. Through the devoted work of several families, including the Schutter, Watkins, Blackman, Clemons, Kerr, Baumbach, Dodds and Pastor Donald Helm, the church survived.

In the 1920’s the building had been wired for electricity, but indoor plumbing was never installed. The Pleasant Valley Grit Club (so named because the first day they met, it was so bitterly cold that it was said it took a lot of “grit” to get there), a group of women unaffiliated with the church, but some of whose members were active in the church, supplied a wooden floor in the basement, probably in the 1920’s. They also had a well drilled which was found to be artesian. The coal furnace was replaced by oil in the early 1960’s.

The bell at Trinity has a long history in eastern Iowa.  In 1960 John Kaufmann, who sold farm equipment, was visiting a farm south of Calamus and behind a shed there was an old bell.  He told the farmer that they were building a new church and needed a bell.  The farmer offered it to him.  Lois Schurr determined that it came from Immanuel Lutheran Church southeast of Calamus.  John Hogenson, whose family is from that area, did not believe there was an Immanuel Lutheran church south of Calamus.  Lois talked to her parents.  Her father remembered the church had been there, but it had been gone many years ago, when the congregation moved to Grand Mound.  The church was part of the Lutheran Missouri Synod.  A cemetery remains at the site.

Shortly before Pastor Lorenz resigned in 1962, the name of the church was changed from Trinity English Evangelical Lutheran Church to Trinity Lutheran Church. From January to September of 1963, Rev. Normal Ullested, Bettendorf served as vice pastor. In 1963 Alan J. Henderson was installed.  In 1965 he became vice-pastor of Princeton’s Zion Lutheran church and both churches shared a pastor for the next 20 years. 

The parsonage was built in 1965 on the church property.  The parsonage water and sewer systems are part of Trinity’s systems. There is a separate electric system. Previous pastors had lived in the former Baumbach home on old highway 67.

The church ladies purchased a punch bowl and obtained a silver coffee service with stamps donated by members.  It was moved that the women were to serve Sunday Fellowship hour every third Sunday (birth of coffee hour). They started making Baptismal napkins also. New choir robes were purchased and camperships were started for deserving boys and girls. The staff included Ann Criswell, secretary, LaVerge Farwell, organist and Maurice and Judy Reber, sextons. In 1965, a serious flood involved much of the Pleasant Valley community. Trinity women cooked and served flood victims meals and baby-sat their children. 

With the enthusiasm and guidance of Pastor Henderson, several of the organizations within the church were reactivated.  The Luther League attracted more than 60 teenagers of the congregation, so it was split into a younger and older group. The Lutheran Church Women were reorganized to conform to the standards of the United Lutheran Church Women. The Grit Club held their first meetings and social functions at the church.  The first Scouting program in this area was held here.  There was also an active senior and junior choir. The membership consisted of 472 baptized members.  The Sunday Church School had an enrollment of 134. Richard Houseman, a member of Trinity, was ordained in 1966.

A notable feature of the Trinity complex is the bell tower outside what is now the sanctuary entrance. The bell tower was designed and built in 1967 with money from the Stephen Busch Memorial Fund. Also in1967 Trinity Trumpet monthly newspaper began with Irma Pietscher as editor.

The area under the nave was excavated and a stairway was installed in the narthex.  Thanks to the church women and the carpenter work of Rev. Henderson, kitchen cupboards were installed on the lower level. Work outside also developed an area into Trinity Park. Over 150 trees and shrubs were planted. During this time four lots to the north of the church were sold off. (One lot sold for $3000.)

Luther League was restarted in 1971 with Fred and Ann Criswell and Bill and Lois Schurr as advisors. The purpose was to be active Christians, serve the church and promote fellowship among their peers. By 1973 there were 36-40 members putting on folk services, making monthly paper drives, and having fun activities like campouts and hayrides. They cleaned up the church grounds, served Easter breakfasts, and purchased a new stove for the church. In 1978 it split into junior and senior groups.

Pastor Henderson left in November, 1973 to accept a call in Mason City, and In July, 1974 Pastor Lawrence Lindmark accepted the call to Trinity.  In 1977 the outdoor chapel was dedicated.  Doug Johnson and the Boy Scouts constructed a ten-foot wooden cross and limestone pulpit for the chapel. The Quad City Lutheran Youth gathering was held at Trinity. 

Also in 1977, Trinity co-sponsored and hosted Duong Le, a refugee from Viet Nam, and six family members in the church basement from mid-September until suitable housing could be found for them. Meanwhile, he and Minh Quang Vu, who had met while escaping the Vietcong and again at a refugee camp, became engaged and married at Trinity with Pastor Lindmark officiating.  They are believed to be the first Vietnamese couple to be married locally since the evacuation of refugees in March.

Many Trinity members helped the family adjust. Steve and Kathy Fredericksen provided a home for Minh until the wedding, and Arnie Kaufman provided transportation for the couple afterward, such as to church services each Sunday. Other congregation members took part by making the traditional wedding gown, baking the wedding cake and making corsages for the wedding party. Minh and Duong chose a Christian wedding, saying “At this new life in America, all is strange to us. We try to adapt and become all American.” Wedding invitations were hand-lettered by Minh and mailed to members of the sponsoring congregations and other area churches sponsoring refugees. About 90 persons were in attendance at the wedding.

Under Pastor Lindmark’s leadership, Trinity showed favorable growth and financial stability, despite his continuing to split his time with Zion. The mortgage on Trinity’s parsonage was paid off in 1981. The pastors from then on have found their own housing, so it became rental property.

Trinity Lutheran Church commemorated its Diamond Jubilee (1906-1981) with a March Festival, an organ recital, a cookbook, a wall hanging, and a day of celebration. Former Pastors Emil Plambeck, Robert Lorenz and Alan Henderson were in attendance. The celebration of our Heritage was September 27, 1981 with Devotions from Trinity/Zion President Bob Brockhouse. Portraits of our past were shown and the day ended with the hymn “Built on A Rock”.

Pastor Lindmark resigned in April, 1981 and next was Rev. Robert Hurty as interim pastor until 1982. Then Rev. Ron Ferrell served Trinity. He established an internship program and the following students were interns: Peter Franson 82-83, Peggy Rose 83-84 and Roxanne Motz 84-85. 

In June of 1983 the mortgage for the building was paid off.  Both Trinity and Zion continued to see growth and in January of 1985, the churches separated and once more became individual congregations.  Pastor Ferrell accepted a call to be Director of the Illowa Lutheran Coalition in 1988.

In 1984 Trinity joined with Lutheran Social Services to provide senior citizen housing.  Luther Tower was built to accommodate and Lutheran Terrace was added in 1989.

In 1986 a new kitchen was built The Lutheran Church Women, now known as Amitie, purchased the electric stove. Mitch Sussex donated a tape recorder to serve the home bound., New cross stitch Chrismon’s were made by the Amitie ladies. Peg Claussen became the new Sunday school superintendent.

In 1987, Laura Baumach was hired to be organist.  Junior and Senior choir directors were Gene Jepsen, Detta Mehl and Karen Schurr.

On January 1, 1988 the Lutheran Church in America and the American Lutheran Church merged.  Trinity became a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

During this time Rev. Kurt Nordby served Trinity as oversight interim pastor until Pastor Joanne Adrian accepted the call on July 1.  She was the first woman pastor at Trinity and was instrumental in making Trinity more visible to the community, especially with help to flood victims in the area. Possibly as a result, when the Caterpillar factory in Mt. Joy closed its doors, it donated their office equipment and supplies to Trinity.

The parking lot and roofing projects were completed and dedicated in 1988. Altar Guild was formed to handle needs of services. An outdoor chapel was erected by the Boy Scout troop and services outdoors became very popular.

After Pastor Adrian left in 1991, Rev. Kurt Nordby served Trinity again as interim until Rev. Keith Larson accepted the call for Trinity. The attendance continued to grow. The church council voted to begin having two worship services in 1995. Council members included Bob Brockhouse, Bill Brunkan, Al McIlrath, Hank Claussen, Ed Kaufman, Rod Johnson, Judy Reber, Marie Dodds and Bill Schurr.

With continued growth, the congregation decided a new sanctuary was needed. A consultant was hired from the Synod to see if the church could support a new addition.  Many small group sessions met with the consultant and had different agendas to look into (growth, income in the area, etc.). A building committee was selected and Steve Frederickson, a member of our church who owned Eldridge Lumber Company was selected to draw up the plans It was decided the church could handle a building cost of around $347,500.  As a rule of thumb, a congregation can expect to raise 75-150% of annual giving without a consultant. The pledges amounted to $192,000. Jim Wolfe of LeClaire was selected to be the general contractor for the church. 

The plans included a new sanctuary with pews for seating approximately 150 or more, and a hallway with offices and restrooms connecting the old and new areas. A lower level for a Sunday school and other needs is also included.

On December 7th, 1997 the new sanctuary and offices were dedicated. The former sanctuary was repurposed into a Fellowship Hall. The old offices were changed into the present kitchen. With a budget of $5,000, used cupboards were bought and painted and a microwave, a refrigerator and a stove were purchased new. A member donated the flooring.  The ladies held a kitchen shower and were able to supply some of the basic needs to add to the items from the previous kitchen which was in the basement.

Beginning in 1998, the church sponsored an annual Mexico Medical Mission trip under the direction of Bill and Lois Schurr. Each year, doctors and nurses and numerous people from the congregation went to Mexico to feed people, care for the sick and distribute medications, clothing and shoes. The trips continued until 2008.

On July 11, 2000, Beth Hauser Peterson, another member of Trinity, was ordained at Trinity. Pastor Keith accepted a call to Bethlehem and St. Mark Churches in 2001, and Reverend Armin Weng joyfully served as interim pastor. In 2002, the church started doing medical and mission work in the impoverished areas of Mexico. Numerous church members participated in the mission and some repeatedly. It stopped in 2009 when the border became unsafe due to drug-cartel activity.

On June 23, 2002, Pastor Julie Higgs was called to be Trinity’s pastor.  She had been an assistant pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Davenport and brought all kinds of energy and ideas to Trinity. In November, 2004, Marie Dodds, a beloved and long-time member of Trinity passed away and bequeathed to the church her household belongings – everything from a bathroom sink to wood shelving.

In 2003 Trinity was named one of the top 10 congregations to participate and give to Quad City Crop Walk, receiving the award for many years. Amitie ladies also participate in Church Women United, and the Trinity pastors joined the PALS group (churches of Princeton, Pleasant Valley, Argo and Le Claire).

In 2005 the basement under the sanctuary was finished and in 2006 the basement under the fellowship hall was renovated and designated for pre-school.  In 2006 was the dedication of stained glass hanging in the fellowship hall, naming families that have found a church home there and are or have been members. The choir became very active and music was abundant in the church also.  

In 2006, Trinity celebrated its 100th anniversary with a different highlight each month. Several of the retired pastors from here were invited back to do a sermon or visit.  A 100-year banner was made out of previous retired banners.  It still hangs in the church.  On the anniversary Sunday, Pastor Julie Higgs presided and the preacher was Bishop Phillip Hougen. Musicians were Laura Crumbleholme and Dean Rock. The Trinity choir was directed by Gene Jebsen and soloist, Vicki Jebsen. 

“Our community and membership are growing in faith and fellowship and we look forward to the next 100 years. “

Programs at Trinity were numerous including an annual fall roast, adult forum, Mexico mission, book discussion group, Bible study, 7th and 8th grade confirmation, semi-annual blood drives, frequent share-a-meal, thrice-annual food baskets and annual Crop Walks for the food pantries (Trinity being among the biggest givers every year), a prayer shawl ministry, angel tree at Christmas, craft group, get-well card ministry, sewing group and Red Cross quilt ministry.

         In 2006 the Constitution and By-Laws were revised. Also, in 2006 a planning committee was appointed to investigate starting a pre-school.  It was opened in 2007 with a founding board of Mary Shelton, Claudia Neumann, John Newman and Lois Schurr.  A director, Chris Leaman was hired to run the new preschool and it would be called T.L.C. Preschool with an attendance availability for 20-22 children.

In 2008, Lilah Bell donated the stained-glass window above the alter. Lilah was a long-time member of Trinity, attending services in one special pew. She helped start the Clarisse Cook House as well as the Visiting Nurses. She died in 2011 at 102 ½ years of age.

In 2009 Pastor Warren Riley was appointed to our church, Pastor Julie Higgs having been appointed to the Synod office. During this time a picnic and wiener roast area was developed, youth mission work was developed, community work days, helping with Habitat for Humanity, a ladies Bible study and the pre-school was filled to capacity with a waiting list each year. Sunday school attendance was 24, confirmations numbered 8, church attendance averaged 110-115 in the two services and 47 in Vacation Bible School.  

Bob Martin, after 25 yrs. playing the organ and Gene Jebsen, with 48 years as choir director both retired after a special reception.  Laura Crumbleholme was hired as the new keyboardist, and Stuart Buthod the choir director.  The church continued to support the Mexico mission financially, Crop Walk (to feed the Hungry) with 35 walkers and raising $5,900, and a Book Study group started.

Pastor Riley left at the end of December, 2014 so the search began for a new pastor.   Paul Tweeton became interim pastor in 2015.  Pastor Jim Sbertoli, a member of our congregation, helped out in the pulpit when needed. The congregation held a fund-raiser and purchased a new Clavinova. A Parish nurse was also put on the roster to help with routine medical needs. 

In January 2015, Tom Christiansen left a bequest of $100,000, of which 20 % went to Trinity, 20% to ELCA ministries, 20% to community and 40% apportioned to ministries as the Endowment committee deems appropriate.  Tithing recommendations to ELCA for 12.5% from the Christianson and Swanson estates were approved.

In June 2015 Pastor Stacy Grau accepted the call to Trinity. Worship time was down to one service and one on Wednesday evening. Pastor was married in June to Scott Christiansen with a reception in our church.  Trinity was the biggest donor for the Crop Walk in September.  The Monarch butterfly garden was certified as The Monarch Butterfly Way Station. VBS was attended by 50 children. Trinity water was connected to City water.  The old furnaces were replaced with four new furnaces and air-conditioners.   

A CPA was hired to provide payroll accounting services, etc.   In 2017 a Facebook page was started.  The sanctuary roof was replaced for $19,999. Average attendance was 81. VBS was done by Ewalu Bible Camp counselors.  Trinity sent toys and clothing to Tonia Kennedy in Honduras, who is a Trinity member.  General fund was down to $13.41 in June

In 2018 a new Life Pak CR Defibrillator was purchased. A new storage shed was donated for the Pre-School. The craft group provided $2,000 for new flooring in both upstairs bathrooms. The parking lot was resurfaced for $45,000. An accounting firm, Hammar & Associates was hired to oversee the church’s budget.

The ELCA Youth Gathering in June was in New Orleans with Logan Paul from our church attending.  We purchased a 5-foot flat screen T.V. and mount, plus blue-ray player and cables and lap top computer for the fellowship hall. Sadly, in December, Evelea McBride passed away. She had been baptized at Trinity and a member for 75 years. She was the church secretary for 30 years until her passing.

The pre-school ended in May of 2019. Enrollment had dropped because the government had started providing assistance for preschoolers in the public schools making it free for them and hard for Trinity to compete. The basement had a makeover with new flooring and painting in the previous preschool area.  Tom Hagaman was hired to be the choir director.

Early in 2020 the church began not meeting in person because of the Covid pandemic.  Worship was online only. It was decided to start setting aside money for updating the hard wire system to connect to the Internet. Trinity also needed a new camera, sound and video system to live-stream the worship service to members.

Pastor Stacy Grau-Christianson resigned in June, 2020. Interim Rev. John Grebner joined the church in August. He continued to provide on line services and Thursday a.m. notifications. Membership in 2020 included 243 baptized members.  It was a bleak time for Trinity as it was for the rest of the country.

In 2021 we were able to return to worship services by meeting outside on a glorious Easter Sunday. So, we continued to adapt, tweak and change things, doing communion outdoors and bringing an outdoor font for a baptism. Later we moved services back indoors with everyone wearing masks and with areas of the pews marked to remain empty to keep a safe distance between worshippers.  The pandemic response continued to negatively affect Trinity’s financial situation. Having considered the circumstances, the council recommended withdrawal of $30,000 from the Mission Endowment Fund.

The Hot team was able to resume with fellowship in September after almost two years away due to Covid.  An education class for adults was offered and we returned to feeding the hungry, packaging 3,000 meals for Kids Against Hunger.  Trinity was able to help donate 100 blankets, hats, scarves, shoes, coats and sheets - filling a covered pickup bed to the top and the cab, too - to Humility of Mary shelter for the homeless and those transitioning to housing.

The sudden death of the choir director left the choir struggling, but they were able to pull together for an outdoor Christmas Eve service on a freezing cold evening, bringing the good news in song to those gathered.  Membership of confirmed totaled 259. The choir has since been restarted under the direction of Chelsea Crumbleholme.

Baptized members in 2021 number 310   Trinity remains steadfast in its welcoming to those who come through the doors. Thank you to Pastor John for all of his help with our congregation during this interim. A call committee was appointed to seek a new pastor and Pastor John agreed to stay on until one was named.

Organizations being served include:  Christian Care Men’s Shelter, Edgerton Women’s and Children’s Health Clinic, Global Health Ministries, Lutheran Services of Iowa, Lutheran World Relief, Pleasant Valley Nursing Home, Red Cross and families in our community. Social Ministry includes food gift cards for the needy, Angel Tree, craft group, Crop Walk, Amitie, Share-a-Meal, prayer shawls, Kids Against Hunger, personal care kits and quilts donated and support for missions in Zambia and Mexico.

Stephen Nilsen, a new graduate from Wartburg Seminary accepted the call to Trinity church and was installed at Trinity in October, 2022. He comes with energy and fresh ideas. In his first six months, the children’s Sunday School was revived. Eleven new members have joined the church, raising membership to 402. A youth education committee was organized and a popular adult bible study has commenced. An outdoor garden has been constructed with all produce going to feed the hungry.

 

Afterword

This history of Trinity ends in September of 2023 with hopes it can be added to each subsequent year. The purpose is for anyone to read or receive a copy, especially new members who will be able to appreciate the highs and lows of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Lois Schurr and Don Cordts

Revision Date: November, 2024