A History of Trinity Lutheran Chuch in El Paso, IL
In the year 1946 several Lutheran
Families in El Paso became interested in forming a Lutheran
congregation. These families were members of Lutheran congregations in
surrounding communities. Seven young men from Concordia Lutheran
Seminary in Springfield conducted a house-to-house church affiliation
survey in El Paso to determine whether there were enough prospective
members to warrant establishment of a Missouri Synod Lutheran
Congregation. The outcome of the survey was favorable.
Organizing this congregation was no easy feat. Many hours and hundreds
of miles were spent making sure that the proper steps were followed. On
December 3, 1946 a meeting was held at City Hall between a Circuit
Visitor, District Officials, and those interested in establishing a
congregation. After much discussion it was clear that there was a need
for a Lutheran congregation in El Paso and the officials gave their
consent to proceed.
St. Andrew's Episcopalian Church in El Paso had set vacant for over
seven years. Therefore, this was a likely building to start holding
Lutheran services. Opening services were held July 6, 1947, with one
hundred and ten people attending. At this same time the Episcopalians
also began to revive their mission, which meant that from time to time
schedules had to be rearranged for services. Both congregations were
responsible for upkeep at the church property. The Lutherans purchased a
large velvet curtain which was hung in front of the Episcopalian alter
before services. Members of the Lutheran church made an altar, which at
the close of the services was moved into the vestry. At the time
of official organization in December 1947, the congregation numbered 42
communicant members and 65 souls.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, First and Cherry Streets.
On March 11, 1948 the congregation held a
special meeting and extended a call to Pastor Carl W. Brueggemann, of
Gresham, Nebraska. After due consideration Pastor Brueggemann accepted
the call and plans were made for the Installation Services. The
congregation also needed to find a place for the Pastor and his family
to live. Mr. Henry Wessel, a member of the Lutheran congregation,
purchased a home at 154 N. Sycamore, which would become the parsonage.
The congregation spent many hours preparing the home for the Pastor. The
congregation agreed to pay rent of $40 per month.
Pastor Carl W. Brueggemann of Gresham, Nebraska, was installed on
Trinity Sunday, May 23, 1948, as the first Pastor of Trinity Lutheran,
El Paso, Il. The service and reception were held in the High
school auditorium with nearly 400 people in attendance. Pastor
Brueggeman's inaugural sermon was delivered Sunday, May 30th, at 10:30
am in the Episcopal church building.
As the congregation grew many organizations were formed including a
Lutheran Laymen's League, Ladies Aid Society, a Church Choir, and a
Walther league. Meetings were held in the Pastors home or the West
Side Park. It became necessary for the congregation to rent a building
to be used as a Parish Hall. The Hall above the Woodford County Bank was
rented and people of Trinity gave freely of their time for cleaning and
repairs. Soon the Sunday school classes were also moved to this
facility. By 1950, the congregation numbered 107 communicant
members and 148 souls.
At a quarterly meeting in April 1950 the voters discussed the plans of
acquiring their own church property. A building committee was elected
and soon after the congregation purchased the south half block on which
the church parish hall now stands. After this purchase the building fund
only had a few hundred dollars left. With much determined effort,
fervent prayers, and generous contributions the Parish Hall was begun. A
bond issue of $30,000 was floated to continue the work on the Parish
Hall and Church building. All bonds were in $50.00 denominations and
were issued for ten years with interest at 3.5% payable annually.
Plans called for a church building 32x80 and a parish hall 45x72.
The parish hall was to be constructed first with the sanctuary then
joining it to form the letter "L".
Ground breaking ceremonies were held in November 1950. The ceremony was
held at 3:00 p.m. at the corner of East Third and North Michigan
Streets. The Parish Hall was completed for use by September 1951. One
carpenter was hired part-time while all other construction work, except
for the wiring masonry and heat installation, were donated. Work
continued until the church and a forty foot tower were completed. On
July 6, 1952 the Cornerstone for the new church building was put into
place, just five years after the first church service was held.
Five dedication services were held
marking the completion of Trinity Lutheran Church and Parish Hall.
Two services were held on Dec. 7th, and one each on Dec. 9th, 11th, and
14th. In just five short years after organization, Trinity was
able to dedicate the beautiful facilities which it still used today for
its worship and fellowship. This building stands, dedicated to the Glory
of God, as a living tribute of the faith, loyalty and love of a humble
group of Christians.
On January 19, 1954, fire was discovered in the Parish Hall about 8:00
a.m. on Sunday morning. A short circuit in the refrigerator caused the
damage which was mostly smoke to walls, furniture and curtains in the
Parish Hall.
A new parsonage was started in May 1955 and was dedicated June 10, 1956.
On January 15, 1960 a fire was discovered about 9:30 a.m. causing
several thousands of dollars of damage. It was thought that the fire had
smoldered several hours before it was noticed. El Paso and Secor fire
departments fought the fire for more than two hours. The paneled
ceiling, insulation, and rafters were either burned or badly damaged by
smoke and water. Moments after the fire was declared “extinguished,”
scores of church members both men and women were salvaging what they
could. Words were inadequate to express the gratitude and appreciation
to all the neighbors and community groups that stood by Trinity in
facing the inconveniences of a churchless congregation and the task of
rebuilding the facilities over many months. The Rededication of Trinity
Lutheran was conducted April 24, 1960. “All things work out for good to
them that love the Lord”.
In 1977, a new Sunday school addition was added to the North side of the
Parish Hall. The addition consisted of six Sunday school rooms, a
pastor’s office, two restrooms, and a “mini kitchen”.
The Lord continues to bless Trinity Lutheran Church, now over 60 years
in existence and numbering over 300 souls.
"Remember always, the Church is people, His people, the Body of
Christ. It is what happens to people, in peoples hearts, that is of
great importance. Faith and love of our Lord Jesus is in itself
invisible. But the “fruits of faith and love,” can be seen, recorded,
pictured and described." (Taken from a “Pastors Message” written by
Pastor Marvin L. Matzke)
Pastors who served Trinity Lutheran:
Rev. Carl W. Brueggeman 1948-1953
Rev. Edward W. Schade 1953-1954
Rev. L. M. Hieber 1955-1958
Rev. Harry Fricke 1958-1961
Rev. William H. Lubkeman 1961-1969
Rev. Darrel Hoerle 1970-1973
Rev. Marvin L. Matzke 1973-1989
Rev. Bruce A. Lakamp 1990-2000
Rev. Bobby G. Niemtschk 2002-2009
Rev. Jonathan P. Boehne 2010-Present