HOME Trinity Lutheran Church History
Oldest Swedish
Lutheran Church in New Jersey
Founded in 1889 as
Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church
The first
cornerstone of the existing church was laid on Sunday, July 23,
1894.
In January 1907
permission was granted to allow German Lutherans to use the church
building.
Some of the early
organizations that were connected with the church:
Ladies Aid
Luther League
Young People’s Society
Sick Benefit Society
Sunday School
1942, June 21 the
stained glass memorial windows were dedicated on
1947 Lutheran
Brotherhood was founded.
1948, April 9 saw
the burning of the mortgage.
1948 Senior Choir
was formed.
1949 Lutheran
Brotherhood sponsored their first Boy Scout Troop.
1950 Altar Guild
was formed.
1954 was the
beginning of changes to the existing building.
1959 was the year
the (Red Book) was the new Service Book and Hymnal was
adopted.
1961 was the
formation of the Lutheran Church in America
1962 saw the need
for two worship services on Sunday mornings.
1963 saw people
coming from all areas to attend the little church in
Dover.
1969 Trinity was
involved in ministries at the Dover Day Care Center, Greystone Hospital and
Lutheran World Relief.
1972 Terrible fire
in the parish house. Thursday night services were added as well as lay
readers
1973 New Parish
Life Center construction was begun. The beginning of a monthly Newsletter called
“Rejoice With Us”. Began the
practice of First Communion for children before they made their
confirmation
1974 Children
sermons were begun. Children in grades 6th through 9th
grade were allowed to acolyte and usher. Sponsored the first Greystone Ward
Party.
1976 Adult Forum
was formed which is now considered Adult Sunday School.
1977 Trinity was
instrumental in the mentally challenged camping at Beilser. Senior Ministry was
begun. Assumed sponsorship of the Meals on Wheels program.
1979 The new
Lutheran Book of Worship (Green Book) was introduced.
1980 Bell Choir
was established
1983, July 1 –
Pastor Cheri began her ministry at Trinity. Faith Kitchen program was started.
Support group for mothers with small children was started.
1984 – New Worship
times were started beginning at 7:45, 8:30 and 11:00.
1985 –
Groundbreaking of the renovation of the building. The weekly study group
Connections was begun. Education Ministry was split into two committees
Education Ministry and Family Life.
Social Ministry was split into I and II. Burned the mortgage of the Parish Life
Center
1986 – Hired Faith
Kitchen Coordinator. New Organ was dedicated on June
22nd.
1987 – Copies of
worship services are made and distributed to the shut-ins.
1988 – Purchased
computer for the church office.