|
Congregational History
Brief History of Trinity Lutheran Church
In the fall of 1887 a group of people met with Reverend J.W. Myers, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Rochester and Christ Lutheran Church, Beaver Falls to start a church in New Brighton. At first this group met in homes of the members. Beginning on January 8, 1888 they met in Autenreith Hall. The charter, adopted on January 17, 1888, and constitution, adopted January 24, 1888 started Trinity Lutheran Church of New Brighton. Organization of Trinity was completed on February 29, 1888.
Reverend J.H. Delo took over Trinity and Christ in Beaver Falls on June 9, 1888.
The first Sunday School was organized in July 1888 with 30 students and 4 teachers. A Mission League was formed in August of the same year. The Ladies' Society appeared in 1890.
Reverend Delo resigned November 9, 1890 because of ill health. The Reverend W.F. Kohler became the new pastor of Trinity. During Reverend Kohler's pastorate, the Church purchased land on the corner of Tenth Avenue and Tenth Street. Cost of the lot, church building and furnishings was $4860. The building was dedicated on June 26, 1892.
Reverend Kohler resigned in 1900 and Reverend G.W. Critchlow became Trinity's new pastor. Reverend Critchlow moved into the new parsonage on Oak Hill.
When Reverend Critchlow resigned in 1907, Reverend Kohler once again assumed the duties as pastor of Trinity. During Reverend Kohler's tenure the Church purchased more property, enlarged the church, and installed a pipe organ. Reverend Kohler resigned a second time in July 1922 because of ill health.
Reverend J.F. Bermon of Port Colborne, Ontario became the fifth pastor of Trinity in 1923 and remained for 20 years. During this time, a new parsonage was purchased on the corner of Sixth Street and Seventh Avenue.
A new Parish House was also built at this time to accommodate a growing Sunday School. The Parish House was dedicated on September 7, 1930. The old frame church was razed in 1932. Because of the depression, the Parish House held not only the Sunday School but the church services as well. It was not until December 30,1945 that the mortgage on the Parish House was burned.
Pastor Berman resigned from Trinity in March 1943 and accepted a pastorate in Erie. In late 1943 Reverend William H. Marburger took over the pastorate duties at Trinity. He served until 1948 when he resigned.
The next year Reverend James N. Frank became Trinity's pastor. The parsonage was sold and a new one purchased on Penn Avenue.
Plans for a new church were drawn up by Arthur Martsolf and his son, Louis in September 1956. Construction began and completed in September 1957. The church was dedicated on September 8, 1957.
The congregation approved building a new parsonage in 1961 on land donated by a church member. After completing construction, the parsonage on Penn Avenue was sold.
Pastor Frank announced his intention to retire January 1975. After 26 years of service, he retired on August 31, 1975.
Reverend Ronald P. Garrett began service at Trinity in early 1976. During this time the parsonage on Mercer Road was sold and the Garretts purchased their own home. Pastor Garrett resigned from Trinity in June 1979.
Reverend Robert Hartman began service at Trinity in January 1980. Pastor Hartman led Trinity into its second 100 years of Christian faith and fellowship. After 22 years of service, he retired on February 10, 2002.
On October 1, 2002, Reverend William B. Henry, Jr became only the tenth pastor in Trinity's 114 year history.
|