Fedor, Lee County, Texas - Trinity Lutheran Church - 125th Anniversary History
This History of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fedor, Texas was written by members of the church for its 125th anniversary
celebration.
The History of Trinity Lutheran Church
Fedor, Texas
1870-1995
The First Settlers
In 1854, a group of Lutheran Wends emigrated from Germany to Texas, settling at Serbin, Bastrop County, Texas in March of 1855. Among the list of
passengers aboard the Ben Nevis appeared the name of Andreas Melde, 29 years of age and not married.
According to legal records, Mr. Melde was the first person to move from Serbin to the Fedor area. He married at Serbin on August 13, 1856 and
immediately established residence at Bluff Creek, about three miles south of what later became known as Fedor.
At this time, the State of Texas owned land in this area which had not been included in the various land grants. According to land records, Mr. Melde
took advantage of a Preemption Act approved by the Texas Legislature February 7, 1854, which allowed any qualified person to claim up to 160 acres of
land by establishing residence and filing proper claim. Having met all these requirements, Mr. Melde was finally granted title to his 160 acres on
February 16, 1874 by Richard Coke, Governor of Texas.
August Polnick, another early settler, came to this community in the middle 1860s. On December 2, 1869, George Boback, a Lutheran (origin unknown),
purchased a one-half league of land (2200 acres) of the James Hudson Grant. He immediately began selling portions of this land to settlers who had
moved here from Serbin. By the end of 1870 about twenty families had settled here. These people attended church services in Serbin, about twenty miles
to the south, and roads were non-existent. Modes of transportation were limited to travel by wagon, horseback or walking. This inconvenience led the
settlers to determine that the time had come to organize their own congregation.
0rganization
In March of 1870 the Rev. Th. Brohm made the long voyage from St. Louis, Missouri to Serbin, and from there came by horseback to Fedor to investigate
the possibility of organizing a congregation. He was accompanied by Teacher Luebner. At that time, Texas belonged to the Western District of the
Missouri Synod and the Rev. Brohm was the official visitor.
The Rev. Brohm apparently gave his approval to organize a congregation. The minutes of this meeting read as follows:
This day, Friday March 11, 1870, we have, in the name of God, organized the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church of the Unaltered Augsburg
Confession and we all have signed the constitution at hand. Today, we unanimously agreed that the church shall be located on 'The Long Prairie'. We
have also agreed on the name of this congregation and the constitution at hand.
Then elders were elected -- A. Lehmann, G. Boback and G. Schroeder -- for a term of twelve months. The constitution, article No. 1, reads, "Our church
and congregation shall be known as the Holy Trinity Church of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession at the West Yegua, Burleson County, Texas."
Thus, Trinity became the first daughter congregation of St. Paul of Serbin. The members who signed at this meeting were Mr. and Mrs. G. Schroeder, Mr.
and Mrs. G. Boback, Mr. and Mrs. Aug. Lehmann, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Wolf, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Melde, Aug. Polnick and his sons August and Andrew, Mrs.
Anna Wagner, Mr. and Mrs. Matthes Domann, Christian Jacob, August Melde (Birnbaum), Mr. and Mrs. Andreas Pillack, Ernest Lehmann, Mr. and Mrs. John
Ernst Noack, Mr. and Mrs. Andreas Noack and Mr. and Mrs. Andr. Simmank.
In most instances a newly organized congregation remained small for years and required assistance from the Mission Board. Trinity began with a
substantial membership and experienced rapid growth from the very beginning and therefore did not require assistance. G. Boback, a charter member,
donated 50 acres of land to the newly organized congregation. Five years later, in 1875, the congregation bought one more acre from Jacob Moerbe,
which is the hill where the church and school stand today. This deed was executed December 29, 1875, the location was Lee County, Texas. Lee County
had been formed the previous year on April 14, 1874. The voters' assembly approved this instrument March 23, 1875. The conditions and understanding
are identical to those stipulated in the deed for the first fifty acres. It might be interesting to read the following:
The State of Texas, County of Lee
Know all men by these presents
That I, Jacob Moerbe, of the County of Lee and State aforesaid, in consideration of the sum of Five Dollars, to me paid by John Wuensche and
Charles Dube, Trustees of the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church of West Yegua, Lee County, acting by virtue of a resolution adopted by said church
at a meeting held 14th Jan 1872 [This is the date the deed for the first 50 acres was approved.] of the County of Lee, State of Texas, the receipt of
which is hereby acknowledged, have Granted, Sold and Conveyed and by these presents do Grant, Bargain, Sell and Convey unto said John Wuensche and
Charles Dube, Trustees and their successors, for said church, the following described property, to wit-----. Now the conditions and understanding of
this sale are such that only such are considered members of said church, who abide by the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as laid down in
the Book of Concord of the Evangelical Lutheran Church which contains the Unaltered Confession of Augsburg, the two Lutheran Catechisms, and that no
member who professes any other doctrine shall have any right or ownership on said property whatever. Further, that if all the members of said church
should renounce said doctrine (which God forbid) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which they now acknowledge to be true and pure and in accordance
with the word of God, then the above deed shall be null and void, the money paid for said property to be forfeited and the right and ownership of the
said tract of land be transferred to the Evangelical Lutheran Mission. Filed for record, January 3, 1877, recorded February 2, 1877, county records
vol. B, Pages 602 and 603.
On January 6, 1871, the congregation met at the home of G. Boback, an elder. After reading the constitution, it was suggested several paragraphs be
added. This was accomplished without protest. Newly arrived members who added their signatures were A. Handrick, A. Symmank, Carl Dube, Pet. Pahn, A.
Sucky and Aug. Bluemel.
Several years later Pastor Proft observed that a substantial number of people exercised privileges of membership without having signed the
constitution. Since no copy was available for private reading and study, Carl Dube copied the old constitution which was then presented at a meeting
July18, 1875 and was approved as being authentic. Signatures are as follows:
1. August Lehmann
2. William Wolf
3. Andreas Melde
4. Matthes Domann
5. Carl Wagner
6. Christian Jacob
7. Andreas Kunze
8. Ernst Lehmann
9. Johann Noack
10. And. Noack
11. And. Pillack
12. And. Symmank
13. Carl Dube
14. Peter Pahn
15. And. Handrick
16. Aug. Bluemel
17. Aug. Polnick
18. Jacob Moerbe
19. C. Aug. Patschke
20. Aug. Dube
21. John Wuensche
22. Ernst Winkler
23. Heinrich Meyer
24. Andr. Symmank, Jr.
25. Andr. Polnick
26. Andr. Falke
27. Johann Zschech
28. Peter Urban
29. Charles Michalk
30. And. Falke, Jr.
31. Traugott Patschke
32. Hermann Urban
33. Joh. Krautschick
Here the signatures of some charter members are missing, such as G. Boback (moved to Missouri in 1872) and G. Schroeder (left the congregation).
The Community of Fedor
What provoked our forefathers to settle in this isolated part of the country probably was this: there was plenty of water, open land for grazing their
cattle, and an abundance of timber to be used for building houses and for rails used in fencing their fields. Land could be purchased for $1.25 an
acre.
The name Fedor came into use several years later. Mr. Aug. Polnick, who had opened a General Store in 1877, sold his bus ness to Mr. Fedor Soder in
1882. Mr. Soder operated businesses in other communities at the same time and was living in Paige. He had hired Carl O. Teufful as manager of his
store and Wilhelm Mros as clerk. During an armed robbery on the evening of November 23, 1883, both men were shot and killed. Both men are buried in
the church cemetery.
It is generally accepted that due to all the publicity created by that incident, this community was given the name of the non-resident store owner.
The name "Fedor, Texas" first appeared in the church minutes of March 25, 1888.
For many years the Fedor community remained somewhat a settlement for itself. It had a post office for nine years (1880-1889), and existed for a
century before it was finally designated with a dot on the Texas Highway Map in the 1960s.
The First Called Pastor
The Rev. Pallmer of St. Peters, Serbin, had taken care of the spiritual needs of Trinity for a year and a half. Having to travel the distance of 20
miles on horseback, we must assume it required two days of his time to bring the necessary religious needs to Fedor.
Mr. John Proft, a Wend, had begun his study for the Holy Ministry in Germany and after coming to this country he completed his studies at the Seminary
at St. Louis. In the fall of 1870 he started a school with a small group of children. Since he was able to conduct services in both German and
Wendish, he was called to become pastor of Trinity, Fedor. He accepted this call and was ordained and installed in September 1871 as the first called
pastor of Trinity, Fedor. Services were conducted in the German language, except four times a year when communion services were conducted in Wendish.
At a meeting held January 6, 1871, the congregation resolved to build a house 24 feet by 20 feet, to serve as parsonage, church and school. Mr. Ernst
Drosche of Serbin offered to build this building for $80 provided the congregation furnished the required labor. He also offered to build six school
desks for $5.
Trinity congregation experienced a rapid growth from the very beginning. Within one year the first building became inadequate for the needs of the
congregation. In the church minutes of January 7, 1872, there is a report of a schoolhouse built at a cost of $350. Evidently, this was an addition to
the first building which also served as parsonage, church and school. Pastor Proft taught school four days each week. School began in October and
lasted eight months. Pastor Proft's salary was set at $400 (in gold) per year, besides feed for his horse and other gifts. An interesting note appears
in the minutes of February 1872 at which a public school was proposed. This proposal was accepted for a period of only two months. The reason for
accepting this proposal was to receive necessary school materials for a private school that otherwise could not be obtained.
Numerous incidents occurred during Pastor Proft's pastorate at Fedor which caused him great anguish, eventually affecting his health. Many people were
struck with malaria, resulting in numerous deaths, especially among children. Just a year after Pastor Proft became pastor of Trinity, his wife was
stricken with malaria just prior to giving birth to their first child. The three-day-old infant died, as did the mother just three days later on
September 6, 1872. He buried them on a plot of land which he had purchased for himself, located on the San Antonio Prairie about three miles to the
southeast of Fedor.
A few years later Pastor Proft moved into the house that he had built on his land. According to church records, he married again on June 29, 1873. It
is the first wedding recorded that took place at Trinity. The Rev. A.D. Greif of Independence, Washington County, Texas, performed the ceremony.
In 1874 a dispute arose between Pastor Proft and some members, which just could not be resolved. Pastor Proft, also being in poor health, decided that
it would be in the best interest of all concerned that he resign. Therefore, in October 1875, he presented his letter of resignation to the
congregation. A few months later, during a special meeting with the Rev. T. Stiemke and Rev. A.D. Greif present, the matter was finally resolved. A
note at the end of the minutes of this meeting reads as follows, "This meeting was held, uninterrupted, from 10 o'clock in the morning until 7:30 in
the evening."
The Rev. Proft, after his resignation at Trinity, continued living at the San Antonio Prairie. The following year, 1876, some Wendish families from
Trinity helped organize a congregation at that location. Wendish services were not conducted at Trinity after Pastor Proft left. To make it possible
for these families to worship at a church in their preferred language, they were granted a peaceful release. In 1889, a peaceful division occurred in
this Ebenezer congregation. Those living in the Lincoln area organized St. John's Lutheran Church, while those living in the Manheim area relocated
there, retaining the name Ebenezer Lutheran Church which still exists today.
The First Church
The Rev. Timotheus Stiemke of Holy Cross, Warda, served as vacancy pastor after the resignation of Pastor Proft. Later he was relieved by the Rev. L.
Geyer. At this time the congregation was building its first church building. The voters' assembly approved a contract with Johann Biar of Serbin on
February 28, 1875, for a building 40 by 25 by 16 feet with a steeple 48 feet high and a balcony (Gothic style) with the congregation furnishing all
materials. Labor cost was set at $385, to be paid in silver.
Building committee members were Aug. Polnick, Moerbe, C. Dube, Winkler, Wuensche, and A. Dube. This building was completed for a total sum of $957.50,
with a debt of $66.40. The bell was purchased two years later for $122.30. By resolution of the voters' assembly, dedication was set for Invocavit
Sunday, March 7, 1876, with English and Wendish services to be held.
The Second Pastor
After the resignation of Pastor Proft the congregation called several pastors who could minister in the Wendish language, but without success. Then an
application was submitted to President Biltz of Concordia, Missouri, requesting a candidate who could master the Wendish language. Some members
threatened to leave the congregation if the new pastor could not preach in Wendish. The congregation promised these people a peaceful release to a
Wendish congregation in the event that the new pastor would not be able to serve them in their language.
The Lord God in His divine wisdom always sends the right servant to His church. The man assigned to Trinity was the Rev. G. Birkmann, not a Wend, but
German, who for 43 years served Trinity in faithful preaching and energetic leadership. He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri in
June 1876 at the age of 22 years. At a meeting July 1876, the vacancy pastor, Rev. L. Geyer, advised the congregation to ask their new pastor not to
come to Fedor in mid-summer due to the unusual heat wave that plagued this community that summer.
After a three-month vacation, Rev. Birkmann left St. Louis by train on September 25, arriving in Giddings September 27. Since he was not married, he
brought his sister, Marie, to keep house for him. Members who welcomed them in the name of the congregation included Jacob Moerbe, August Dube, John
Wuensche and Carl Dube. Before leaving Giddings they purchased some inexpensive furniture, a cook stove, and a few groceries which they loaded on the
farmers' wagons. For several days they stayed with the Jacob Moerbe family until things could be made more habitable at the recently remodeled
parsonage. On Sunday, September 30, 1876, Pastor L. Geyer of St. Peters, Serbin, came to Fedor to ordain and install Pastor Birkmann. In the minutes
of October 1876, Pastor Birkmann recorded his thanks to the congregation for the royal welcome he received on his arrival in Fedor.
Pastor Birkmann's immediate task was to establish order in the congregation. His proposal to revise the constitution and define duties of the elders
was accepted. He taught school in the church with 25 children attending. During the October 14, 1877 voters' meeting Pastor Birkmann asked for
permission to conduct a service on Sunday afternoon for a group of Danish people at Lexington. In the fall of 1878 the first Mission Festival was
observed.
In the summer of 1879 Pastor Birkmann accepted a call to Dallas. The Rev. J. M. Maisch became the next pastor of Trinity later that year.
The First Teacher
Early in 1881 Mr. H. Nehrling became the first teacher at Trinity, Fedor. In September 1881 Pastor Maisch, having been relieved of teaching at Fedor,
asked the congregation for permission to teach school three times a week at Lexington.
Besides teaching, Teacher Nehrling had great interest in nature, spending much time in the woods and fields surrounding Fedor observing birds and
other creatures. He later became famous by writing a book entitled Die Nordamerikanishe Vogelwelt (translated -- The North American Bird World).
The congregation had built teacher Nehrling a new house in which he lived only a few months. Unable to adapt to this climate, he moved back North in
the summer of 1882. Several months earlier, Pastor Maisch had made a mission journey to Corn Hill (Walburg) to conduct a service and an organizational
meeting for Zion congregation. As a result, he was called to become their first pastor, leaving Trinity without a pastor and a teacher.
In the fall of 1882, Pastor Birkmann was called back to Fedor. At the request of the congregation he taught school that fall. Early in 1883, Teacher
Schleier came to Fedor but accepted a call to Warda just three years later in 1886.
The First Schoolhouse
Up until this time school was held in the church. In December 1883 the congregation adopted a plan for a school house 24 by 36 by 14 feet with wall
maps and a blackboard. It was built in 1884. In 1888 a portico was added to provide room for the increased enrollment. Mr. E. Drosche built the
necessary desks and seats. This building served its purpose for 27 years. Tuition was lowered temporarily to $6 per pupil.
“Blessed” Are They Who Die In The Lord From Hence-forth
In a meeting in October of 1885, tribute was paid to the deceased members. A resolution was adopted that at funeral processions, at which the pastor
may not be able to go, the teacher should take his place. Dedicating a hymn in memory of the deceased after the sermon in the church was discussed,
but no action was taken. To anno nce the death of a member, the church bell was to be rung between the hour of 11:00 and 12:00 a.m., 60 strokes twice
for children and 60 strokes three times for adults, with a short break after each 60 strokes.
Up to this time the dead were buried in the rows of graves running at an angle, which is now the middle of the cemetery. In Volume I of the church
records, all deceased members are listed up to Number 162. Volume II begins with a new number, namely B-1, 1894 + 27 February, Aug. Zschech, 50 years,
six months. Since children were not buried among adults, it is sometimes difficult to find a grave of a loved one, especially if there is no marker.
The Parsonage Water Shortage
The last notation of Teacher Schleier, in the minutes of July 1886, was the water shortage at the parsonage. Mr. Aug. Moerbe was asked to find some
members to haul water into the empty cistern. It was also decided to build a pond in the pastor's pasture. The congregation had to contend with the
water problem at the parsonage from the very beginning. At first, three members were instructed to each haul one barrel of water to the parsonage each
week. It is not stated where the water was hauled from, but we may assume it was hauled out of the West Yegua because Pastor Birkmann later wrote, "In
the early years there was no drinking water at the parsonage except Yegua water."
Many proposals were made whether to set up cisterns, to build underground cisterns, or to build them of brick. Eventually, underground concrete
cisterns were built at the church, parsonage and teacherage. In addition, a well was dug which was later equipped with a wind mill.
Missing Minutes for 1886-1888
At the April 1886 voters' meet ng Pastor Birkmann was granted permission to preach at Thorndale four times a year. Then begins a period of 1˝ years
(July 1886-January 1888) where no church minutes can be found. It is unknown if these minutes were not recorded or whether they were lost. However, we
read in Dr. Birkmann's History of Trinity Lutheran School that late in 1886 Teacher Schleier accepted a call to Warda and the pastor took over the
school until Teacher H. Rhode arrived in the fall of 1887.
The congregation decided not to send a delegate to the Synodical convention being held in New Orleans in February of 1888 because of the travel
expenses. Pastor Birkmann was instructed to ask the Synod to excuse the congregation, but no excuse was granted.
Enlargement of the Church
During the first 15 years the congregation had a steady growth in membership. Families kept moving in from Serbin, and in the early 1880s many
families emigrated from Germany directly to Fedor. After solving the school problem, the congregation was compelled to enlarge the church itself. A
lengthy debate ensued whether to add on to the old building or build a new one. Several plans were considered during a period of eight months.
In a meeting of July 1888 it was voted to add fifteen feet to the existing building and to gather pledges. In the event that the amount pledged would
be high enough, perhaps something more elaborate could be built. During the July meeting it was reported that $800 had been pledged. The former
resolution was promptly rescinded. Since there were no new proposals, the matter was tabled for a future meeting. The following building committee
members were elected: A. Pillack, Jacob Moerbe, Ch. Jacob, John Wuensche, John Schubert, M. Domann and C. Dube. This committee was instructed to
contact Mr. Wukasch of Serbin and have him submit a bid for a "Cross Church'' using material of the old building.
At the September 1888 meeting the committee presented a report stating that Mr. Wukasch's figures for a church 60 by 36 by 20 feet would be $812.34
for material plus $450 for the carpenter's salary for a total of $1262.34. Another bid was submitted by Mr. E. Drosche in the amount of $1300, which
would include a change in the steeple and painting of the outside. After taking everything into consideration, it was determined that these bids were
about equal. No action was taken.
Six months later, during March 1889, the building committee presented another plan. No details are given other than a large vestry shall be provided
that could be used for confirmation instruction.
This plan was accepted and finally the building began with Mr. E. Drosche as carpenter. There is no record of the cost of this building.
Since there is no record of a plan we can only look at the result. Apparently, the old church remained intact, except eight feet of its length was
removed, adding an annex 56 by 25 by 16 feet with the enlarged vestry perpendicular to the existing building, resulting in a Cross Church. This
building has withstood the elements for over a century without requiring any structural repairs. It is now the oldest Lutheran church building of
wood-frame construction in the Lee County area still being used as a house of worship.
Teacher Rhode Resigns
In September of 1889, Teacher Rhode resigned from Fedor. Calls were extended to Mr. Leubner and Mr. Werner without success. Once again Pastor Birkmann
took over the school for a year. Finally, in August of 1890, Mr. Fr. Doepke of New Orleans accepted the call to Fedor.
Pastor Birkmann received a call to Klein, Texas in September of 1890, however the Trinity congregation insisted that he stay. In December of 1891 he
received a call to Rose Hill, and again the congregation would not let him go. Meanwhile, Teacher Doepke became ill and despite the time allotted him
to recover, his condition became such that he had to resign in July of 1893. Mr. J. Daenzer became the next teacher in January of 1894.
The New Parsonage
The old parsonage was sold in 1894 for $80 and a new one was built for $920 with a debt of $275 remaining. An invitation was extended to the Southern
District to hold its convention at Fed in early 1901. For this occasion the buildings had to be repaired, the school painted, the stall repaired, and
foremost, a heater had to be purchased because the convention was scheduled for the month of February.
At the end of the church minutes of June 2, 1901, we read the following, "Another of Fedor young men who studied for the ministry graduated and was
called to become missionary-at-large for the State of Texas, Candidate W. Dube."
At the turn of the century it was feared that this congregation might go out of existence, because a substantial number of members were moving to
Thorndale and other areas, depleting the membership at Fedor. In 1884, Trinity listed 350 communicants. This decreased to 250 in 1896. However, within
a short time the congregation recovered, becoming stronger as the years went by. In 1902, after eight years of service, Teacher Daenzer accepted a
call to a school in the North. Soon thereafter, Mr. Redecker came to Fedor, being installed on Michaelmas Day in September of 1902.
He left Fedor just 2 years later. Mr. E. Leubner became his successor in the fall of 1904.
The School 'Trustees
In the minutes of 1902 the various duties of the school trustees are listed. The following paragraphs were adopted:
1. The school trustees, elected by the congregation, have, next to the pastor, the following duties. To see that the school is taught according to the
assignments spelled out to the teacher in his call. Also, besides religion, the children be taught in other departments, such as English and German
reading, writing, arithmetic, geography and music. Also songs, passages and Luther's Small Catechism for recitation, Christian training and discipline
be the order of practice in school.
2. Further, to see that the congregation furnishes the teacher with the promised salary on time and to urge parents and members to honor and respect
their teachers.
3. If parents have any grievances over the teachings in the school, they should take this matter to the teacher, and if no satisfaction is achieved,
then it becomes a matter of the school trustees.
4. If the teacher has any complaint and cannot settle this matter with the respective parents, he has to bring this matter before the trustees for
settlement.
5. The trustees must see to it that the school building be kept in proper order and check the needs that may be required to maintain a healthy
atmosphere to both teacher and pupils. Should changes be made or something new added, the trustees should bring this matter before the voters'
assembly.
In 1906 a new water well was dug and the old rail fence around the church property was replaced with a wire fence.
The pastor requested that if possible, weddings should take place on weekdays instead of on Sundays. Weddings on Sunday often keep members from
attending worship services.
The New School
Teacher Leubner was forced to resign as teacher in August 1909 for health reasons, and again Pastor Birkmann taught school. This time he had the help
of his step-daughter, Meta, until 1901 when Mr. Wm. Schweder arrived. A new school was built during the summer of 1911, at a cost of $550 for material
and $196.75 for labor. It was dedicated in connection with the Mission Festival held that fall. The interior of the church, including the altar, was
painted in 19l3 by Mr. Bamsch of Serbin for $173.
When Teacher Schweder left in the summer of 1913, the Rev. O. Lugenheim took over the school for one year. Then Mr. Ph. Roesel came to Fedor in the
fall of 1914. He was a very skilled educator and under his leadership the school expanded rapidly.
In 1916, only five years after the new school was built, it became necessary to build an extension to the school to provide room for the increased
enrollment. Two patent heaters were installed for $95 each, which for many years proved very practical. This building is still standing and being used
as a Parish Hall.
An Assistant Pastor is Called
By the mid-1910s the increased enrollment made it necessary to employ assistant teachers. They were student A. Michalk (1916-1917) and student
Knoernschild (1917-1918). At this time the Rev. P. Braner was called as assistant pastor and was also to serve as assistant teacher. A new home was
built for him east of the school. However, he lived in it only a short time because Teacher Roesel soon accepted a call to the North. Paster Braner
moved into the teacherage and the house was sold. The First World War was now beginning to affect the congregation. In a meeting in September 1918, it
was resolved beginning with this date, that only the English language be used in school including religious instruction. The following members - G.
Zschech, Carl Symmank, E.Weiser and Ed. Pillack - were elected as a committee to contact the Council of Defense at Giddings to establish the
possibility of retaining the worship services in German.
When Teacher Roesel left in the summer of 1918, Pastor Braner took over the school, assisted by student H. Grunau from the Seminary in St. Louis
(1918-1919) and student Boerger (1919- 1920). In the summer of 1920, Pastor Braner accepted a call to the North and Mr. H. Wieting from Seward came to
Fedor as the next teacher. Teacher Wieting's assistants were student Gemeroth (1920-1921), student Bernthal (1921-22) Miss Louise Werner of Thorndale
(1922-1923) and Pastor Seidel (1923-1924).
Pastor Birkmann Retires
For years, complaints were voiced that the organ did not have enough volume to be heard throughout the church. A new organ was purchased in 1921 at a
cost of $1250.
At this point in the history of Trinity, an era came to an end. Pastor Birkmann, who had served Trinity Lutheran Church at Fedor for 43 years,
resigned his pastorate, causing many changes in the life and ministry of the congregation. It was with a sad and heavy heart that the congregation
granted this beloved pastor a peaceful release in May of 1922. The congregation expressed its heartfelt thanks for his loyal service during his many
years in their midst. He was compelled to resign due to his failing eyesight. Trinity numbered 596 baptized and 345 communicant members at the time of
Pastor Birkmann's resignation.
At this time, it seems appropriate to make some observations about his family and his life in Fedor. Rev. Birkmann was born at Waterloo, Illinois on
June 4, 1854. He came to Fedor in 1876 at the age of 22 years, not married. He brought with him his sister Marie to do his housekeeping.
She married Johann Falke on July 11, 1878. On May 18, 1886 Pastor Birkmann married Hulda Kilian, a daughter of Rev. Johann Kilian of Serbin. She
passed away on October 15, 1892, leaving him with three small children. In 1893, Helene Wunderlich Behnken, the widow of Rev. George W. Behnken of
Cypress, became Pastor Birkmann's second wife. She had three small children, John, Meta and Wilhelm. The second marriage was blessed with seven
children. One child died at the age of six weeks. All the children attended the parochial school in Fedor.
John (Behnken), the pastor's step-son, studied for the ministry and became very prominent in the Missouri Synod, serving as missionary, pastor,
president of the Texas District, and president of Synod. Paul also studied for the ministry and served as pastor of several congregations in Texas. In
later years he served as editor at Concordia Publishing House.
Herbert chose the teaching profession. He taught in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana until his retirement.
Pastor Birkmann was a very talented man and an outstanding theologian, writing numerous articles for "Der Lutheraner" and other church periodicals. He
was very thorough in confirmation instruction. In addition to being a faithful pastor, he also made use of his talents by serving as president of the
Southern District (1889-1891) and later when the Texas District was organized he served as president (1912-1920). After his retirement he was awarded
an honorary Doctorate of Divinity.
He also had great interest in nature, spending time in the fields and woods at Fedor. He gathered butterflies, bugs, other insects--and even
snakes--for his collection, which won first prize at the World's Fair in St. Louis.
His ministry to members of this congregation and to people and places in surrounding areas required considerable travel. During the early years he
traveled on horseback, later by horse and buggy. In his memoirs he relates an incident when he was called to the home of his Danish friend, Mr.
Sorenson, who lived about eight miles northwest of Lexington. Mr. Sorensen's wife had been accidentally shot. He later wrote, "This occurred on a day
when my horse had absented himself from his pasture and I had to make the 20-mile trip on mule-back in the July sun." He never enjoyed the luxury of
owning an automobile. In spite of all the hardships and inconveniences he endured during his ministry at Fedor, after his retirement he wrote, "I
never wanted to live anywhere else than Fedor." Dr. Birkmann and his wife lived in Giddings after his retirement. Mrs. Birkmann died February 3, 1932
and Dr. Birkmann went to his heavenly home May 17, 1944, just seventeen days before his 90th birthday. Both are buried in the Giddings City Cemetery.
Pastor Seidel is Called
In this new era Trinity congregation experienced a frequent change of pastors, being served by four different pastors from 1923 to 1930. After the
resignation of Pastor Birkmann, Rev. W. Seidel of Farwell, Texas was called, arriving in Fedor in July 1923.
Teacher Wieting was assisted in school by Pastor Seidel in the 1923-24 school year. In March 1924 Teacher Wieting left Fedor and Mr. Theo. Schroeder,
who taught in a Negro Mission in New Orleans, Louisiana, accepted the call to Fedor. His assistants in school were Rev. O. Lugenheim (1924-25), Miss
Martha Shirloh (1915-26), Miss Hertha Kistemann (1926-27), Mr. Anton Lehman (1927-29), and Miss Lydia Wede (1929-31).
False Teaching
When the teacher problems seemed to be solved, another problem appeared, this time in the ministry. Pastor Seidel was accused of teaching false
doctrine, causing much unrest in the congregation. Under the direction of Director H. Studtmann and with the help of neighboring pastors this offense
was eventually removed from the congregation. Pastor Seidel was found to be unfit for the ministry and had to resign in October 1924.
The congregation then called the Rev. O. Lugenheim, who became Trinity’s pastor in February 1925. Immediately the congregation requested that the
pastor present a lecture concerning the prayer meetings that were still being held among some members. Some were deceived and accepted the fanaticism
of prayer healing.
In 1925 the church building was repaired, the outside painted, and a tin roof and new windows with green glass were installed. The teacherage was
completely rebuilt in 1925.
Pastor Lugenheim resigned in September 1927. Rev. Steyer of Lexington served as pastor. In January 1928 Rev. W. E. Dorre accepted the call to Fedor.
His immediate task was to stop the false teaching that still persisted in the congregation. There were still some members who clung to the fanatic
belief of prayer healing. They rejected Word and Sacrament as means of grace, instead they believed if they persisted in prayer and song that suddenly
they would receive the Holy Ghost enabling them to speak in tongues, etc. After this special revelation from the Holy Spirit they would be able to
live a sinless life. Finally, with the help of neighboring pastors, these members were removed from the congregation. This group then organized in
Lexington as a "Holiness church.” For some time they attempted to convince people from Fedor to join them, but were unsuccessful.
During Pastor Dorre's pastorate, changes began to take place. A Bible class was organized for those 16 years and older. It met once a month on a week
night. English services were now held on the second and fourth Sunday night of the month. "Klingelbeutel" was discontinued and instead a plate
collection was taken at every service. Also, the envelope system for Missions was introduced. In February 1930, after only two years at Fedor, Pastor
Dorre accepted a call to St. Johns, Houston. Rev. Kautz of Lexington served during the vacancy. Rev. A. F. Michalk was then called and he came to
Fedor in May of 1930.
A Second Teacher is Called
Trinity at this time had 500 baptized members and 310 communicants with over 100 pupils enrolled in school. A second teacher was needed to work with
the young people. Mr. R. G. Buuck was called in 1931 to fill this position.
The Depression of the 1930s
This congregation had endured several crises, such as the aftermath of the Spanish American War, World War I, and now the crippling World Depression
of the 1930s. The latter was by far the most difficult, since all members were farmers. At the height of this depression cotton sold for 4 ˝˘ per
pound, corn for 18˘ per bushel, eggs for 5˘ per dozen, cows for $10 per head, yearlings for $6 per head, and hogs for 2˘ per pound.
There was always enough home-grown food, but it was difficult to acquire cash money for other necessities of life. Some were forced to participate in
government public works programs to survive. These were difficult times and yet during 1935 and 1936 the congregation repainted the church, school,
altar and pulpit. In addition, a kneeling bench and rail for the communion guests was added to the altar, and a pedal was installed on the pipe organ.
During this time, many parents were unable to buy the necessary school books for their children. In 1937 the congregation instructed the trustees to
purchase the school books and each child would pay $1 per year for using them. It was felt, however, that Catechisms and Bible History should be owned
by each child.
Pastor Michalk conducted services at Bluff Creek in 1937 for a group of Negroes who had been neglected by their church. Forty people attended the
first service After the service Teacher Schroeder instructed the children from the Catechism while Pastor Michalk conducted Bible Class with the
adults. Within a short time these people expressed their desire not to sever membership with the Baptist church.
Miss Ruby Emmrich served as assistant teacher for three months in the spring of 1939 while Teacher Schroeder was on sick leave.
By the 1930s it became increasingly difficult to keep the young people together. To alleviate this problem, the congregation gave the youth group
permission to join the Walther League, with Pastor as leader, and assisted by Teacher Buuck. Topic discussions took place twice a month. Friday nights
were reserved for choir practice directed by the pastor. For entertainment the young people frequently gathered at the school to play volleyball and
for other entertainment.
At this time most of the young women went to work in Houston or Austin. The young men also began leaving Fedor, making it necessary to put more
emphasis on the English language in church and school, so that they could witness more effectively where German was not spoken. The young women who
worked in Houston were instrumental in organizing the Thabitha Society at Trinity, Houston. This organization was formed especially for working women.
The 1940s
In a voters' meeting May 21, 1940 the congregation voted to build a new church. Immediately pledges were gathered and within two weeks $3,500 had been
pledged. Two weeks later Mr. Emil Weiser, a contractor from Houston, presented a plan with an estimated cost of $4,830. This proposal was declined by
a margin of one vote. In the fall of that year the congregation authorized a major repair project of the church building. The steeple was repaired,
the roof replaced, the ceiling repaired, and the entire church was painted.
A 70th anniversary was observed on the fourth Sunday of February 1941. During the first seventy years 1447 were baptized, 869 were confirmed, 331
weddings were solemnized, and 419 were buried. During February 1942, Teacher Buuck resigned, and Teacher Schroeder announced his retirement effective
at the end of the school term. Mr. E. F. Wendland was engaged to help finish the school year. The congregation later extended a call to Mr. Wendland
and he took charge of the school in the fall. His assistants were Miss Emily Woelfel (1942-44), Miss Ruth Michalk (1944-46), Miss Bernice Dube
(1949-51), Mr. Clarence Schulze (1951-52) and Miss Wanda Kalmbach (1952-1954). During World War II Pastor Michalk began a church at McDade with the
help of four McDade families who had been life-long members at Fedor. This provided an opportunity for servicemen stationed at nearby Camp Swift to
attend Lutheran worship services. When Pastor Michalk accepted a call to Riesel in 1945, the services at McDade were discontinued and the families
returned to church in Fedor.
In the World War II years of the 1940s the life of the Trinity congregation was adversely affected by the rationing of materials and by the large
number of young men drafted for military service. Sixty-four young men from the community answered the call for military service. Four became
casualties of war.
In April 1944 the teacherage was damaged by a storm so severely that it could not be repaired. It was resolved to build a new teacherage employing Mr.
Alvin Foerster as carpenter at 60˘ per hour. The building cost $1344.50. Mrs. Ernst Herzog and Mrs. Andrew Richter received assistance from the
congregation to repair their buildings which had also suffered extensive damage.
In December of 1945, after 15 years of service at Fedor, Pastor Michalk accepted a call Riesel, Texas. Rev. Paul Brust of Manheim served as vacancy
pastor until Rev. L. Karcher of Anderson, Texas, accepted the call to Fedor. He was installed on Sunday, June 8, 1947.
In 1947 the congregation resolved to build a new parsonage. Dedication service was held on the afternoon of Sunday, May 2, 1948. This building cost a
little over $5,000.
Once again a change was made in the service schedule. Beginning in July 19, 1947 an English service was held on the third Sunday of the month, other
Sundays the services were in German. Christenlehre was discontinued. An adult Bible class was organized in 1948. The Sunday School was
organized this same year with Erwin Falke elected as superintendent. He served in this capacity for 14 years. Sunday School teachers who faithfully
served for 20 or more years were Herbert Falke 32 years), Mrs. Frieda Wendland (27 years), Mrs. Alleen Winkler (25 years), and Ewald Winkler 20
years).
The teacher was instructed to teach religion in both German and English. Beginning in 1951 confirmation was conducted in the English language.
On October 30, 1949, Pastor Karcher began conducti ng services twice each month at St. Andrews congregation at Paint Creek. There was no formal dual
parish arrangement between congregations. Confirmands from St. Andrews attended confirmation instruction at Trinity but were confirmed at St. Andrews.
Pastor Karcher served this congregation until 1961, two years after his retirement from Trinity.
The 1950s
In January 1951 members living in McDade requested permission for Pastor Karcher to resume services in McDade This request was granted and the first
service was held January 28. Vicar Daniel Pourchat of St. James, Lexington served this congregation from the summer of 1951 until May 1952. In August
1952 Pastor Paul Stengel of Lexington took over until October 1955. This congregation moved to Elgin in 1956 and organized Grace Lutheran Church.
In 1952 the original altar and pulpit were replaced, the organ was moved to the front of the church, and the interior of the church was repainted. In
August of 1955 a resolution was adopted changing the worship services to German on the first, third, and fifth Sunday mornings and English on the
second and fourth Sundays. Beginning in 1958 communion was celebrated six times in English and six times in German. A Ladies' Aid was organized in the
summer of 1958.
At the February 1959 voters' meeting Paster Karcher announced his retirement, after 12 years of service, to be effective Sunday, April 5. Dr.
Wiederaenders, President of the Texas District, and Rev. Stengel, visitor of the Post Oak Circuit, were present. The District President suggested that
it would probably be in the best interest of this congregation to form a dual parish with another congregation due to the great shortage of pastors in
the Missouri Synod. He also announced that there would not be a Vicar available to help teach in the school because ministerial students were no
longer being trained in this field (the congregation had applied for a vicar for the last several years). During this meeting a resolution was offered
to form a dual parish with St. Johns, Lincoln, however this was tabled for a later meeting.
In March of 1959, Rev. August Horn of Manheim was asked to serve during the vacancy. The congregation decided not to form a dual parish with Lincoln
but to call a pastor if its own instead. Teacher Wendland was asked to teach school alone for another year and to conduct Bible class during the
vacancy.
Another attempt was made in June 1959 to form a dual parish with Ebenezer, Manheim, but that congregation declined the proposal.
In December 1959 planning began for the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the congregation. It was set for April 24, 1960 with Dr. J. W. Behnken
as the speaker for the English service, and the Rev. A.F. Michalk for the German service. The anniversary collection was designated for the Church
Extension Fund.
The 1960s
When Pastor Horn accepted a call to Eola, Pastor A. F. Michalk of Smithville served as vacancy pastor from June until October when Pastor Gerike of
Lincoln took over. Early in 1961 the Rev. Andrew Szegedin accepted the call to Fedor and was installed by Pastor Gerike on March 19, 1961. In the
voters' meeting of July 1962, the congregation voted to purchase a new organ.
The following month, however, there was a change of mind and it was decided to repair the old organ.
Mr. Raeke of Smithville was employed for this undertaking. He completely disassembled and rebuilt the old organ.
On June 14, 1964 the congregation honored Teacher Wendland with a celebration on his 40th anniversary as teacher. Likewise, Pastor Szegedin was
honored on his 40th anniversary in the ministry with a celebration on August 23, 1964.
The congregation was deeply saddened in January 1966 by the sudden death of Mrs. Szegedin, the wife of Pastor Szegedin.
At the regular meeting of February 1966, Teacher Wendland informed the congregation of his intention to retire effective July 1, 1966, after 24 years
of service. The congregation decided not to call another teacher since the number of pup ls had steadily declined to the point where it was no longer
feasible to keep the school open. Some now enrolled in the parochial school at St. Johns, Lincoln. Others went to the Lexington public school. An
agreement was reached whereby Mr. and Mrs. Wendland could continue living in the teacherage rent-free. Mr. Wendland served the congregation as
secretary for many years after his retirement.
Early in the summer of 1967 Pastor Szegedin remarried, and on July 9 the congregation gave Pastor and Mrs. Szegedin a pound shower to welcome Mrs.
Szegedin into their midst. The Ladies' Aid prepared a chicken barbecue meal for the occasion.
For many years Fedor held a school picnic in the early summer, but in 1967 the congregation voted not to hold one that year. Several years later it
was decided to discontinue these picnics entirely.
100th Anniversary
Early in 1969 the congregation decided to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The Board of Elders planned for this event throughout the year. The date
was set for April 21, 1970. Speakers planned for this occasion included the Rev. A. F. Michalk for the morning German services and the Rev W. E. Dorre
for the afternoon English service. A barbecue noon meal was planned and a lunch following the afternoon service.
Official Acts of Trinity Lutheran Church, 1870-1970: 1638 baptisms, 1055 confirmations, 439 marriages, and 514 burials.
Dual Parish
During the January meeting Pastor Szegedin announced his retirement effective June 30. Immediately the congregation proceeded to call a pastor, but
without success. The Rev. George Heinemeier of Manheim served as advisor in calling matters. On May 3, 1970, the congregation agreed to form a dual
parish with Grace Lutheran Church of Elgin. The Rev. Robert Hartfield was called to serve as pastor. He was installed at Fedor on August 23, 1970.
A historical marker presented by the Texas State Historical Survey Commission was dedicated on November 8, 1970.
On July 16, 1972 the dual parish with Grace Lutheran Church, Elgin, was dissolved. Pastor Hartfield moved to Fedor and remained pastor at Trinity
until November, when Trinity and St. James, Lexington, formally accepted a dual parish agreement on November 12, 1972. Pastor Hartfield moved to
Lexington since most of his work would be there.
The 1970s
In 1973 the church roof was replaced and restrooms were built in the parish hall. The roof of the parsonage was replaced in 1975.
At a joint meeting with St. James held on January 14, 1976, Pastor Hartfield announced his call for active duty as chaplain in the United States Army.
He was granted a peaceful release. The Rev. Robert Koenig served during the vacancy until the Rev. Lawrence Heucher became the next pastor in March
1977.
By resolution of the congregation beginning January 1, 1979, a short English service followed by a German service would be held on the first Sunday of
the month. A year later this was changed to the third Sunday. English and German communion would be celebrated every month henceforth.
In 1978 an extensive church restoration was undertaken. Restoration committee members were Herbert Winkler, Ronald Handrick, Martin Schubert and
Pastor Heuche. Vinyl siding was installed on the church building in 1979.
The 1980s
The following year a carpenter was to be contacted to draw a plan to restore the original altar; however, two months later this project was abandoned.
Instead a used altar and pulpit were purchased from the Adina Christian Church. The congregation accepted an offer from the Clarence Handrick family
to pay for a picture of Christ, which would be painted and inserted into the altar. Mr. Calvin Freeman of Lexington was to be the artist. This same
year the entire church was carpeted, new pews were purchased in 1982, and more ceiling fans were added. The Ladies Aid paid for the fans.
On February 21, 1982, Pastor Heuschert announced his resignation. After only a four- month vacancy the Rev. Rudolph Kurz accepted the call. He was
installed June 27, 1982. The same year the dedication of the pews, carpet, altar, pulpit, and fans was combined with the Thanksgiving Day service.
Pastor Kurz agreed to continue the bilingual service on the third Sunday of each month. The opening would be in English including the sermon, then the
sermon was to be repeated in German, communion would be in German, and the communion hymn in English.
Teacher Wendland, experiencing health problems for several years, passed away August 1985. He was buried in the Giddings City Cemetery. Again an
agreement was made with Mrs. Wendland whereby she could continue living in the teacherage rent-free.
The 1990s
In 1990-91 major improvements were made to the outside of the church, parish hall, and teacherage. The church steeple was painted, vinyl siding and
aluminum windows were installed at the parish hall, and the teacherage was provided with a new roof. The local AAL Branch completed its concrete
sidewalk project around the church, extending to the parish hall. A commercial-sized cook-stove was purchased for the parish hall by the Ladies' Aid.
Recently, the serving facilities were improved to facilitate the serving capacity for events that attract large numbers of people, such as the annual
turkey dinner sponsored by the Ladies' Aid. The total cost of repairs and improvements to the church buildings and facilities since 1979 was
approximately $40,000.
Early in 1991 Rev. and Mrs. Kurz donated an outdoor crucifix which was erected near the historical marker. This work of art was sculpted by Clarence
Schulze of Giddings. Pastor Kurz, having served the dual parish nine years, announced his resignation at the April 14, 1991 meeting. Rev. David Ebert
of Lincoln served as vacancy pastor until the Rev. Wayne Schumpe arrived at the end of that year.
During the December 8, 1991 meeting it was resolved to celebrate Holy Communion on the first and third Sunday, plus Christmas, Easter, Maundy
Thursday, and Pentecost. For the first time since its organization 121 years earlier, the congregation was compelled to discontinue the German
service. The pastor stated that his knowledge of German was limited to where he could not conduct a service in that language, however on the third
Sunday the Communion hymn would be in German.
In April 1993 the congregation decided to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 1995. No date was set, but it was agreed that it would be after Easter.
Anniversary committee members elected were Pastor Wayne Schumpe, Ludwig Richter, Martin Schubert, Herbert Falke and Herbert Dube. This committee
immediately began planning for this occasion.
Two adults were confirmed in 1993 and five in 1994. This was the largest adult confirmation class in the history of this congregation. Nine new
members were gained.
Clearing of brush on the church land was completed in the summer of 1994, giving the property a much neater appearance. During the October meeting it
was decided not to repair the parsonage but to sell it to be moved off of the church property.
At the January 8, 1995 voters' meeting the anniversary committee reported that plans for the 125th anniversary celebration were on schedule. The
celebration was set for April 30, 1995 at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Robert Pruess was selected as the guest speaker for the occasion.
Pastor Wayne Schumpe remains pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Summary
On March 11, 1870, Rev. Brohm came from St. Louis to Fedor to organize Trinity Lutheran Congregation. This was the first congregation in Texas to be
organized by the Missouri Synod. St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin and Salem in Rose Hill were at this time affiliated with the Lutheran Church –
Missouri Synod, but originally were not organized as such.
Texas belonged to the Western District of Synod until 1881. During this time, pastors and lay delegates had to travel to St. Louis to attend the
synodical conventions. This was quite expensive and time consuming. This problem was alleviated in 1882 when the Southern District was organized.
Conventions were held alternately between New Orleans and a congregation in Texas.
In 1900 Trinity hosted one of these conventions. Finally, in 1906, the Texas District was formed, and all of the conventions could be held within
Texas. Pastor Birkmann served as President of the Southern District 1889-1891 and President of the Texas District 1912-1920.
Trinity officially joined Synod in 1874. The congregation had been served by a Missouri Synod pastor from the time it was organized. Trinity,
throughout its history, generously supported the mission work of Synod and the Texas District.
At the time Trinity was organized, there were no Missouri Synod congregations north and west of Fedor; however, there were Lutheran families scattered
throughout this area. The pastors from Trinity supplied these people with their spiritual needs until new congregations could be organized. Whenever
the pastor asked for permission to serve others, the Trinity congregation always consented.
Church records show that 1871-1891 pastors from Trinity baptized many children of Lutheran families who were not church members. Of the first seven
children baptized by Pastor Proft on October 7, 1871, four were from Paint Creek, two from Travis County, and one listed as Bastrop county. Other
places of residence given throughout these records are: Paige, McDade, Austin, Brushy Creek (Noack), Taylor, Thorndale, Rockdale, Lexington, Dallas,
Sherman and Pottsboro.
Pastor Maisch helped organize Zion, Walburg in 1882. After a visit by Pastor Birkmann, St. Paul, The Grove was organized in 1883. For several years in
the 1880s he conducted services at Paige and confirmed a class of nine confirmands in 1884, and a class of seven in 1885.This group later joined the
Texas Synod. In 1882 he began conducting services at Thorndale, continuing until St. Paul organized in 1890. At the same time be conducted services at
Lexington from 1885 to 1891 when St. James organized. He continued serving there until 1894. Pastor Birkmann also conducted services at Austin
alternating with other Lee county pastors until St. Paul organized in 1893.
At various times, Pastor Birkmann made exploratory trips to other areas to counsel congregations to organize. Pastor E.F. Moerbe, a native son of
Fedor, was also establishing many congregations in Texas by serving as a member of the Mission Board for 36 years. This community was entirely
dependent on agriculture until recently. Almost all families have some off-farm source of income. Beginning in the 1890s, families started moving to
other areas where land was more plentiful and more productive. In many instances these people became the nucleus of a new congregation. This movement
did not adversely affect the membership of this congregation until 1940, when the exodus to the cities began. At the outbreak of World War II defense
industries were offering wages which could not be equaled by farming. Following the war most of the young men who had served in the armed forces did
not return to farming. Farming had become more mechanized, resulting in larger farm units requiring fewer laborers. The remaining families had fewer
children than their parents. By the late 1960s, the membership of this congregation had dropped to less than 200 baptized. The once flourishing school
had to be closed because there were not enough children to maintain the school. By 1990 the membership had dropped below 150 baptized, however in
1994, after years of decline, the congregation recorded a gain of nine members.
In all, Trinity congregation was served by 15 pastors, 13 teachers, six ministerial students, one student teacher, four women teachers and six lay
members as assistant teachers.
As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, we must confess that it is only
by the grace of God that this congregation survived throughout the years. Let us thank and praise God for the many blessings showered upon this
congregation and for providing pastors and laymen who remained faithful to His Word. We pray that God continue his blessings upon this congregation
and preserve us unto himself through Word and Sacrament.
Lutheran Hymnal #639
For many years, 0 God of grace,
This Church has been Thy dwelling place.
And we thy congregation
Upon the precious cornerstone
Our faith is built, and Christ alone,
Is still our one Foundation.
Today we pray: Let us greet Thee,
Lord, and meet Thee, Here with singing,
All our praises to Thee bringing.
Lutheran Hymnal #640
Grant that we Thy Word may cherish,
And its purity retain.
Lord, unless Thou art the Builder,
All our labor is in vain.
Keep us from all pride and boasting
Vanity and foolish trust,
Knowing that our work without Thee
Soon will crumble into dust.
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