Trinity Lutheran>About Trinity
In 1958, a controversy arose at one of Edgerton's Lutheran churches which caused a number of it's members to leave the congregation. In July of that year, they met at the shelter house of the park to discuss their future. These members went on to form another congregation, which was known as The New Lutheran Church. The first church service for The New Lutheran Church was held December 14, 1958, in the Schearer Building, located at 11 North Main Street. The pastor was Reverend Harrison C. Rex, retired, from Janesville. The first Sunday School classes followed shortly after, beginning January 18, 1959, with 37 children present.
During the next few years, more work was done in the organizing of the new church. In 1959 the church incorporated and renamed itself Trinity Lutheran Church. Also during 1959, a committee was formed to find a new home for a permanent church building for the congregation.
In January of 1960 a committee was formed to find land for the new church. A few weeks later, the church paid $5,000 for 10 lots on South Main Street. Also in January, the congregation gave the building committee authority to hire architects to draw up plans for the new church building. From April 10 through May 15, 145 adults and 32 children signed on as charter members of the new congregation. On June 5th, Ronald Schlitter was ordained and installed as minister of Trinity Lutheran. In July, plans for the new building were approved and advertising for bids was begun. In August, contracts were signed allowing for the construction of the new building. August 21, 1960, was the official ground breaking ceremony. The cornerstone of the church was laid December 11th. Articles contained in the cornerstone include a bible, the church constitution, a bulletin from the first service, and pictures of church members and activities.
On January 1, 1961, the congregation joined the Wartburg Synod of the United Lutheran Church of America. On June 18th of that year, the new church building was dedicated. It was a bi-level building with approximately 7,500 total square feet. The nave had seating for 240 with overflow room for 75 more. The balcony had seats for 32 and space for the organ. The fellowship hall in the basement provided room for dining space and Sunday school facilities.
The Wartburg Synod disbanded in 1962 and on January 1, 1963, Trinity became a member of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA). On August 30 of that same year, Pastor Schlitter resigned.
On January 19, 1964, Rev. Edward Day became Trinity's pastor. He remained with the congregation until March 15, 1968. On June 15, 1968, Rev. Theodore Romberg was installed as the pastor of Trinity. It was also in 1968 that the congregation voted to build a parsonage. The parsonage was ready for use in September of that year.
On August 15, 1972, Pastor Romberg resigned. He was replaced by Rev. Dean Marin on November 12, 1972.
In May of 1973, the age for taking communion was lowered to the fifth grade level. Previously, it had been at the ninth grade level, at the time of confirmation.
Pastor Marin left in May of 1978. He was replaced by Rev. James Aronen on September 3, 1978.
On June 1, 1980, Pastor Roy Poltrock joined Trinity. Trinity celebrated it's 25th Anniversary on September 15, 1985. Due to mergers, the church officially became part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on January 1, 1988.
In February of 1998 construction was begun on a new addition to the church.
During the fall of 2003, Pastor Roy announced that he was seriously considering retirement. He has said he is planning to remain with the congregation through June of 2004.
June 27, 2004 - Pastor Roy's last Sunday service at Trinity. He served our congregation for over 24 years. That afternoon the entire community was invited to an open house at the church to say farewell to Roy, Caryl, and David. Click here to see pictures from the service and party. June 30, 2004 - Pastor Roy's official last day with Trinity.
August 28, 2004 - A congregational meeting was held after the service. Due to a number of factors which were discussed at the meeting, the congregation unanimously voted to sell the parsonage.
September 1, 2004 - We begin a new chapter in our history as Rev. Ken Schaub becomes our interim pastor until we find a successful candidate for our vacant pastor position.
In August of 2005 the congregation called Pastor Karla J. Brekke as its pastor.
In 2006 the windows in Fellowship Hall were opened and replaced, and three bathrooms were gutted and remodeled. The parking lot was re-done.
In 2007 the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnbook was dedicated for use in worship. Trinity began hosting an annual July Rummage and Bake Sale to coincide with Edgerton's Tobacco Heritage Days.
In 2008 the Fellowship Hall was redecorated with fresh paint, new curtains, polished floors and new tables and chairs. Outside renovation included covering the wood windowsills and soffits and adding parking places near the front door. Angie Strouse became the church's part-time administrative assistant, coordinating many activities and schedules, producing newsletters and bulletins, and many other tasks. The Fall Dinner was started again, as an annual community event.
New opportunities for giving in the last few years have included quarters for the Heifer Project, Operation Christmas Boxes and the Mitten Tree, a Food Pantry Basket in the foyer, and the Giving Tree. Many members give of their time and energy to the Community Outreach Center, as well as various other organizations that make our community a better place to live.
There is also in increased participation in worship leadership with several members reading lessons, serving communion, offering music, ushering and counting.
Trinity continues to be a community that worships God and serves Jesus Christ by loving our neighbors.
The Trinity History page is not yet complete. Please check back again for further updates.
This history of Trinity Lutheran Church was prepared by a relative newcomer to the congregation. It was prepared by reviewing the the stories and pictures which are preserved in the church archives. It is quite possible that I may have recorded something incorrectly. If any errors are found, please email me and let me know so they can be corrected.
Thanks to Pastor Roy for access to the archives of old histories, news articles, and photos of the congregation.