Souvenir booklet celebrating the 60th anniversary of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago.

  Rev. H. A. Hanson

Mrs. H. A. Hanson

Sixtieth Anniversary Souvenir 
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Richmond & Wabansia Avenues
Chicago, Illinois
1857 - 1917 

INTRODUCTION

When this committee, who represents the congregation and the various branches thereof, was organized to take up the work of planning for a 60 year anniversary celebration of our Church, we realized it was no small matter to get a complete history of the work done during these years; many things had to be omitted as some records of the earlier part of our Church History have been lost; and as far as we know there are none of the charter members living now from whom information could be obtained and although our work in many ways is incomplete, we hope, nevertheless, it will be of interest to; review the activities of our congregation in general.

Our chief reason for publishing this souvenir number is to exalt God 's name and to express our gratitude to Hint whose mighty arm has led us as a congregation during these 60 years.

We believe that our church people and friends will appreciate to have this information gathered in a book. You will here find pictures of the different places where we have worshipped; also pictures of the pastors who have served from time to time and many of our pioneer members who worked faithfully Until they were called home to their heavenly reward. You will also be informed of our present day activities which have branched out in different ways all as a unit working for the progress of God's kingdom in our community.

It is the wish and prayer of the committee that this book may be a testimony of God's greatness and love; He who has been our refuge and help in past years may He in the future also lead the coming generations in the paths of righteousness for His name sake.

ANNIVERSARY GREETING

Beloved ;----
Our chief aim in this celebration is to extol the name of our God who has wrought so wonderfully in and through Trinity Church these three score years. " This is the Lord's doing; and it is marvelous in our eyes" Ps. 118 :23.

.As our greeting to future generations, as well as to the present, we wish to define the purpose of our work.  Our purpose might best be expressed in the words of St. Paul, 1 Cor. 9 :22, "I am made all things to all men that I might by all means save some."   Paul's master passion was soul winning. This can also be said of the founders and fathers of Trinity Church.  They cared little for liturgy and church externals, but they were aflame with passion for souls. Through regenerate men and women this spirit has been perpetuated until we have reached this significant landmark of our history. And the alertness of our spirit-awakened young people is a pledge of its perpetuity in years to come. May the Lord, when He shall come, find us earnest and aggressive in winning souls to Christ.

We are also happy to announce that we stand, as did the fathers, upon Apostolic ground in selection of officiary and method of work.  No one is elected to any important office in the congregation or any of its activities who is not of a reputable Christian character.  A vigorous prayer life is maintained in every department.  Four meetings of each week are devoted exclusively to prayer.  Seasons of prayer are observed in Sunday School, Ladies' Societies, Teachers' Meetings, Class Meetings and other public gatherings.  Also a part of the Sunday morning and evening services are devoted to participation in public prayer by the members.  The preaching is Evangelistic.   Sacred songs only are used, whether it be Song Service or Concert.  All moneys are raised by voluntary contributions.  The characteristic expression of the Christian life among us is pietistic.

This work, which sixty years ago began under very humble auspices, has developed to a large scope.  Several of the west side churches, whose membership and usefulness equal our own, are in their beginning and development an extension of Trinity.

Ministers and Missionaries in no small number, at home and abroad, have gone forth from our membership, ever widening our service.

Directly through ministerial acts a very extensive work has been done.  By computing an average from available records, we arrive at the following approximate numbers: 2500 baptized, 2000 persons confirmed, 3000 couples married and the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper administered to 9000 communicants.

"The Lord has indeed enlarged our borders." Deut. 12 :20.  If the Lord tarry His second coming, we would charge upon you, through whom it shall please the Lord to carry forward this work, that you follow the Godly men and women who have preceded you, as they followed Christ.  Swerve not from the Apostolic purpose,  "l am made all things to all men that I might by all means save some."

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. H. A. Hanson.

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