The History of Trinity

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The history of the Lutheran Church on Washington Island is actually older than the church itself. By the mid 1870's many of the islands inhabitants were from Scandinavian countries. There are a few records of some work done by a Lutheran congregation on the island from this time but there was not a strong enough presence to form a permanent congregation. That changed over time as immigrants continued to come to Washington Island. The strong Danish population continued to grow. In the 1920 interest once again emerged. June 20, 1926 Rev. John Christensen arrived on the island and officially began the work of establishing a church.  The first services of this newly established Lutheran presence were held at Bethel Church. On October 31, 1928 Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in the Pastor's home with 38 souls including baptized children. By the fall of 1929 the current church site was purchased from James Boyce for the sum of $200.00.  Construction work soon began with Mr. Charles Haglund (Charter member) and Rev. John Christensen as the main carpenters. The structure was finished with the total cost being $8,000.00 and the first services were held on December, 21 1930. Formal dedication was not held until May 31, 1931.  Trinity continued to grow and flourish over the years. In July of 1946 the mortgage was burned and the church became self sufficient for the first time in its history. All seemed to be going well.  Tragedy stuck on January 12, 1947. Pastor Svendsen, called in an alarm that the church was on fire that Sunday morning at 8:40 a.m. Forty Five minutes later all that was left of the original church building were charred timbers and the basement walls. The only item that was rescued from the fire was the newly dedicated carillon music system. Damage was estimated at between $20,000 and $30,000, however the church only carried $8,000 of insurance. The response was immediate from the congregation; "We will rebuild!"  The current church building was built and first services were held on June 19, 1949 and the dedication was held August 27 1950 at a total cost of $61,000. Membership in 1950 was 188 Baptized. Membership in 1975 was 226 Baptized. Membership in 2000 is 285 Baptized.  Pastors of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church John Christensen 1926 - 1933 Leo H. Anderson 1933 - 1938 James P. Christiansen 1938-1944 Edwin Svendsen 1944-1948 (on leave for chaplaincy 1946) Lyle Paulsen 1948 - 1953 C. Krogh - Interim Pastor 1946 and 1953 Roy Mumm 1953-1956 Roy Paulson - Interim Winter 1956-1957 Myron Haleen 1957-1961 Chester Nerenhausen 1961-1975 Samuel Kochel 1975-1978 James Reiff 1978-1985 Brian McCaffery 1986-1988 Rick Pettis 1988-1990 Steve Paulson 1990 - 1993 Joan Mau 1994-1998 David J Glesne 1999-2005 Frank H. Maxwell 2006-

First building Circa 1930 Interior of Trinity Today The Madonna As in many congregations with strong Scandinavian ties Trinity has a ship hanging over the congregation.