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Note From the Pastor
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Holy Trinity Lutheran Church welcomes people from all walks of life into our loving and diverse community. We believe that as God created humankind in God's own image, the breathtaking diversity humanity displays is indeed part of God's intention and creative genius. We celebrate that diversity and the strength that it provides us all. We are an open, inclusive congregation, welcoming into our family people of every race, culture, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ablity, and socio-economic status. We are firmly committed to opposing all forms of Xenophobia, including, but not limited to racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and any belief system that would marginalize others simply for living their authentic lives. As Jesus himself teaches us to love one another, we hold that truth to be central as we seek to live as modern-day disciples of Jesus.
Come and worship with us! When we say "All are welcome", we truly mean ALL people! Blessings! Pastor Wes Poole † |
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Our History
On Sunday afternoon, January 9, 1921, during a blizzard, a group of Lutherans braved the storm to meet in the Dorranceton High School (later known as Rutter Avenue Elementary School), which was the established place of worship until March 18, 1923. There were 54 people at this first meeting. It is remembered that the ushers were wearing hip boots! The first Sunday morning worship service took place the following Sunday, January 16, 1921. A Sunday School was formed on this date with 35 enrolled. The first Holy Communion service was held on March 27, 1921. Holy Trinity called its first Pastor, Elwood Schwenk, in June, 1921.
The site of our current church building was purchased on July 11, 1921 for the sum of $8,800. Ground was broken on June 18, 1922. The cornerstone was laid August 13, 1922 with the following words spoken by the former President of the Wilkes-Barre Conference, Rev. August Fisher:
In the faith of Jesus Christ, do I now lay this Cornerstone; in the name of the Father, Son and of the Holy Ghost; that here true faith, the fear of God and brotherly love may abide; and that this place may be set apart to the teaching of the Gospel, the administration of the Holy Sacraments, and the invocation and praise of the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with the Father, and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. Amen. Amen.
The church was first renovated in 1938, when the entire sanctuary was redone. In 1971 plans were made to add a new wing to the church. These plans were delayed due to the devastation the church suffered during the Agnes Flood of 1972. The new wing was finally completed in 1979, with the addition of the bell tower to follow a few years later.
On Sunday afternoon, January 9, 1921, during a blizzard, a group of Lutherans braved the storm to meet in the Dorranceton High School (later known as Rutter Avenue Elementary School), which was the established place of worship until March 18, 1923. There were 54 people at this first meeting. It is remembered that the ushers were wearing hip boots! The first Sunday morning worship service took place the following Sunday, January 16, 1921. A Sunday School was formed on this date with 35 enrolled. The first Holy Communion service was held on March 27, 1921. Holy Trinity called its first Pastor, Elwood Schwenk, in June, 1921.
The site of our current church building was purchased on July 11, 1921 for the sum of $8,800. Ground was broken on June 18, 1922. The cornerstone was laid August 13, 1922 with the following words spoken by the former President of the Wilkes-Barre Conference, Rev. August Fisher:
In the faith of Jesus Christ, do I now lay this Cornerstone; in the name of the Father, Son and of the Holy Ghost; that here true faith, the fear of God and brotherly love may abide; and that this place may be set apart to the teaching of the Gospel, the administration of the Holy Sacraments, and the invocation and praise of the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with the Father, and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. Amen. Amen.
The church was first renovated in 1938, when the entire sanctuary was redone. In 1971 plans were made to add a new wing to the church. These plans were delayed due to the devastation the church suffered during the Agnes Flood of 1972. The new wing was finally completed in 1979, with the addition of the bell tower to follow a few years later.