Raising The Church Debt

On the Tenth Anniversary of Trinity Lutheran Church

ITS MEMBERSHIP 175

Growth from 40 to 175 in Ten Years - Nearly $1,000 Raised Sunday

The inclement weather Sunday interfered very much with the plans and desires of Trinity Lutheran church-in that it affected the attendance and likewise the results in the raising of the funds to pay the last of the mortgage now on the church building. The statement was made that it was desired to raise one thousand dollars during the day. While the amount aimed at was not quite reached, yet the pastor is confident that the absent members and friends will fully make up the deficiency and that at the end of the week he will be able to state that the debt is provided for. Secretary McDowell preached at both the morning and evening services. He gave two helpful sermons and made the appeal to the members and friends of the church to meet the debt now resting on the church building. He will remain with the pastor to continue the work of raising the balance of the debt. This was the first time that he had spent Sunday with this congregation and he won the esteem and love of every one who listened to his helpful sermons. He will always have a warm welcome from the members and friends of this congregation.

The congregation was organized at the Easter time in the year 1893 by the present pastor, assisted by Revs. Dr. Barnitz and Cotwald, with forty charter members. It has had a gradual growth since that time. The pastor's report shows the following:

Membership-Charter members 40, baptism 38, confirmation 77, letter 20, renewal of profession 94: total 269.

Losses-Death 10, letter 30, suspension 2, removal 52; total loss 94.

Present communicant membership 175.

Infant baptisms 118.

Funerals attended 74.

Marriages 86.

Sunday School-Present enrollment 204, home department 40, cradle roll 35; total 279.

The Ladies' society was organized about a year before the organization of the church and has raised something over $1,600 for the various objects of the church during its history. The society has about 20 members and has the hearty co-operation of all the ladies of the congregation.

The Ladies' Missionary society has a membership of 22 and has contributed to the local work as well as the general missionary work of the church.

The Young People's society has at present a membership of 40 and has also done excellent work in bringing up the finances of the church.

The congregation has contributed for benevolence $609.65.