A Brief History of Trinity Congregation

The Founding of Trinity congregation dates back to the early 1860's. Although 1868 is regarded as the official date of its founding. The first minutes are dated October 6, 1863. The first house of worship was a small frame building on the corner of Cortland and Mechanic Streets.

The first pastor was the Rev. I. N. Wolf, a convert from Judaism. Under his leadership the small congregation began to grow. In 1880 several lots on Wesley Street (our present location) were purchased for 51,000.00. The second church building was erected on this site and dedicated on November 20, 1881.

In 1872 a Christian Day School was organized. In 1905 a large school building next to the church was dedicated. After World War I, interest in the school lagged. and in 1929 the school was closed. Thirty-two years later. in 1961, a new school building program was under taken on McCain Rd. The school prospered and each year has seen a growth of enrollment. Three new classrooms were added in 1963.

The present church building, Trinity's third house of worship, was dedicated in 1921 at a cost of $80,000.00 Along with the development of the day school was the founding of a daughter congregation Redeemer. Until the dedication of their first church building in 1966, the congregation worshipped in the school gym.On May 5, 1968, Trinity's Centennial year. a new pipe organ (1,596 pipes) was dedicated. In grateful recognition of the donor, the new organ was named the Emma Stowe Memorial Organ.

In 1970, an extensive church renovation program was undertaken. It involved a spacious narthex, a new heating system, and replacement of all church furnishings. The congregation, under the guidance of Dr. W. Hatry Krieger, was most fortunate to obtain world famous reredos known as "The Altar of Mercy" done by renowned sculptor, Otto Haiti of Germany.

In 1974. Trinity Center was built to provide office space, Sunday school rooms, and youth rooms.

In 1977 another addition to the school was completed, including three classrooms, a learning center, stage and shower rooms.

In 1983, the congregation purchased the Fred Schmid property on McCain Rd.,which ultimately was renovated, and at the present time serves as our child care center.

In 1992. major repairs and improvements for the church were approved by the congregation and were completed in 1993.

In 1996 another four classrooms, plus restrooms were added to the school. An addition to the school kitchen is now in progress.

At the present time Trinity Church has 1,600 baptized members, the school has an enrollment of 260, the Child Care Center is open year round, and there is a combined staff of 28 people.