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Trinity Lutheran Church


 

Historical Sketch of Trinity Lutheran Church

Trinity Lutheran Church was founded by Danish immigrants who settled in Westbrook, Maine. The first Danish family, Mr. and Mrs. Laust Horlick and their four children, arrived in 1873 followed by a steady influx of immigrants from Denmark. The Horlicks invited other Danish families to their home for worship. From 1876 to 1893, pastors from the First Lutheran Church of Portland came to Westbrook and conducted worship services in the homes nearly every Sunday afternoon. The worshippers organized on November 2, 1882 and became the "First Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Westbrook, Maine". The congregation was incorporated on January 20, 1892 and shortly after decided it needed its own church. Using $500. that the Ladies Aid had raised, a lot was purchased on the corner of School and Main Streets. Within a year a church building was erected at a cost of $3,124.87. On January 1, 1893, the church was dedicated by Pastor N.J. Ellestad.


Original Church

When the church building was completed the congregation had grown to about forty adult members. Pastor Storli, serving as "mission pastor" and preaching in Norwegian, felt it was time for the congregation to have its own pastor. Pastor P.P. Thoreby accepted the call and became the congregation's first permanent pastor, serving the Westbrook and Falmouth Lutheran congregations. Now Danish was used exclusively, instead of Norwegian. Pastor Thoreby was a spiritual man who favorably impressed people, especially the youth. Attendance increased, with many of the parents of the youth seeking the Lord. Pastor Thoreby remained with the congregation until June 1905.

Pastor Eric Hansen became the next pastor, staying for only one and a half years. On May 3, 1907, Pastor Christian Christensen was called. During his pastorate membership increased and the church, being only 30' x 50', no longer met congregational needs. It was voted to add 20' to the front of the building, moving the steeple to the side and putting in a balcony. The congregation also purchased the Sullivan House, located adjacent to the church, to use as a parsonage. Pastor Christensen resigned on March 9, 1919 due to failing health.

Pastor C.C. Kloth started his pastorate in July, 1920. The congregation soon started using English for every other Sunday evening service. Changes to the church included the installation of a pipe organ, putting a foundation under the building and finishing the basement for use by the Sunday School. Following Pastor Kloth's resignation on May 13, 1928, Pastor Staby was called. During his pastorate a new constitution was adopted giving women a right to vote. In 1935, English was used for morning worship on the first and third Sundays. Following Pastor Staby's resignation, Pastor S.S. Nielsen was called. At the January 25, 1942 yearly meeting it was voted to hold all worship services in English and to celebrate the congregation's 60th anniversary on November 2, 1942. The chancel was redecorated and a new altar was installed for the occasion. In January, 1943, the name of the congregation was changed to "First Lutheran Church of Westbrook, Maine". Pastor S.S. Nielsen resigned in April of 1944.

On October 15, 1944 Pastor Otto Nielsen was installed. While serving our congregation a Danish merchant ship was held in Portland Harbor. Many of the congregation showed kindnesses to the sailors and as an expression of appreciation they presented it with a miniature of the ship "Jutta", which is now on display in the front stairwell of the church. On January 27, 1946, the congregation changed its name to "Trinity Lutheran Church, Westbrook, Maine". A new Moller pipe organ was dedicated on October 15, 1950. Pastor Nielsen resigned August 6, 1951.

Elmer Anderson, was installed as pastor on June 8, 1952. At the 1954 annual meeting a vote was passed to put a 12' wide addition the full length of the church on the School Street side, increasing seating by 80 in the sanctuary and creating three additional Sunday School classrooms in the vestry. Many memorial gifts were received including the art glass windows, altar cross, missal stand, chancel chairs, lectern, pulpit and baptismal font. Pastor Anderson resigned in 1958.

Allison Hansen was installed in January, 1959 and served until January, 1965. He reinstituted Sunday evening services, held twice a month. In 1959, the congregation purchased a new parsonage at 139 Mason St. The old parsonage became the parish house/Sunday School building.

The social and ethical questions facing Americans in the 1950s and 1960s were real challenges for Christians. In 1965, the District President asked Trinity to consider calling a recent seminary graduate as pastor. The congregation complied when it called Timothy Greene, who formed bridges between established practices and attitudes with changes that were to come. In July, 1967, Pastor Perry Hansen came to Trinity and urged his parishioners to participate more in church activities and to seek God's will in their lives. Koinonia, a series of fellowship meals and studies, created new relationships among the participants. He planted seeds that were nourished after his resignation in June, 1972.

Pastor David Isaacson, another recent Seminary graduate, became pastor in 1972. He introduced the Bethel Series Study, included girls as acolytes and expanded cooperation between area Lutheran churches. In 1978, the new Lutheran Book of Worship was introduced. He resigned in August, 1978 having observed much progress in the ministry of the church.

Michael Murphy, a lay minister, conducted services until March, 1979 when the members assumed full responsibilities for all church functions until Pastor Allen Barnes became our spiritual leader in August, 1979. Outreach activities include resettlement of two refugee families, establishment of a clothes closet, mission support through direct involvement and financial support of local and church wide activities.

One of the more exciting events was the year long celebration of the congregation's 100th Anniversary, culminating on November 6, 1982 with an Anniversary Banquet and Program. Changes to the church include remodeling the chancel, adding a free standing altar, major repairs to roof and bell tower and redecoration of the interior of the church. Perhaps the biggest accomplishment was the replacement of the old parish house/Sunday School building with a new educational building dedicated on January 2, 1994 by Bishop Robert Isakson. The new building and the church are handicapped accessible.

Christian education is available through Sunday School, confirmation, adult classes and Bible study. Worship is held every Sunday, regardless of the weather. Efforts are ongoing to offer a meaningful variety of worship options so that there will be something to meet the needs and preferences of all. Music plays a meaningful role in worship and other aspects of church life. There is a youth and an adult choir. The youth are highly valued and are encouraged to participate in worship and other church activities. The youth organization is active and involved.


Trinity Lutheran Church - 1997

Through the past one hundred and fifteen years God has truly blessed our congregation. Thirteen pastors have served us well. Sixteen of our former members have entered the ministry. As we look ahead to the next century we need to meet the new challenges with enthusiasm and vigor. While our accomplishments have been many we need to find new and meaningful ways to meet the needs of others in society. May we continue to do unto others as God has done unto us.

Much material taken from histories written for the 75th and 100th Anniversary booklets. (me)


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Posted: 02/13/2007