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It was Trinity Sunday, June 2, 1901, when 11 Lutheran families gathered at the Lindstrom Opera Hall (current site of the Chisago County Press) to hear the Rev. S.W. Kuhns of Duluth preach in English. Why was this unusual? Because, until that day, Lutherans living in the Chisago Lakes area traveled either to Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City, (founded by early Swedish immigrants in 1854) or to Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City (founded in 1874) where they worshiped in the Swedish language. 

But a new century had just begun, times were changing, and a desire to worship in English was growing throughout the community. Among those who wanted  change were members of the new English Synod of the Northwest, and it was to this new synod that the Lutherans of Lindstrom turned in the spring of 1901, to found the first English speaking Lutheran church in the area.

On July 11, 1901, five weeks after that first English language worship service was held in Lindstrom, Trinity English Lutheran Church was officially incorporated, comprised of “15 grown persons and 11 families.”   Within one month, the fledgling congregation had purchased two lots on Newell Avenue from the Daniel Lindstrom estate for $350 as its future building site, and held its first church council meeting, and organized a Sunday School.  

One year later, on August 10, 1902, ground was broken for the new church with the entire community in attendance. The church featured stained glass windows specially designed and created by Forman and Ford of Minneapolis. Those windows have been repaired and refurbished by Gaytee-Palmer in Minneapolis, in preparation for this year’s celebration and the century ahead.

This year—as Trinity marks its 125th Anniversary—July 11 conveniently falls in the midst of Lindstrom’s annual Karl Oskar Days celebration. Trinity invites the community to its Karl Oskar Days open house for a free history tour any time between 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon, July 11. (Details below.) After the open house closes, Trinity youth will sell refreshments and host children’s activities in the church green space before the Karl Oskar Days Parade. 

Trinity’s anniversary celebration continues on Sunday, July 12, with two worship services featuring special music, anniversary cake and a congregational photo.

Saturday, July 11, events:

1-3 p.m.  Enter the church through the courtyard door on the north side of the building, and see these displays:

• History on Tour:  Begins at the Main Entrance. See Trinity artifacts and a wall of history that depicts music, memories, Trinity through the years and the “Drawn to the Word” painting by artist Pastor Paul Omen.

• Weddings through the ages: An exhibit of photos of weddings at Trinity through the years. See how styles have changed. 

• Confirmation Classes: Class photos show classes over 125 years. 

• The Story of Trinity’s Stained Glass Windows: Learn the history and meaning of Trinity’s stained glass windows so thoughtfully installed in 1903, and recently lovingly and painstakingly restored. These windows have a story to tell. Pick up a brochure and learn the details.

• Memory Board: Everyone, young or old,  is invited to share a memory of Trinity and post it on the memory board.

• Music and Memories: Observe how music has become an integral part of worship at Trinity through the years.  Then come back on Sunday to experience music and worship with the congregation.

• Memorabilia: Collectible coffee cups, plates and ornaments from the past will be given away; 125th anniversary memorabilia will be available for purchase.

4-6 p.m. Free children’s activities hosted by Trinity Youth in the church green space including games, prizes, and decorate a parade goodie bag.

4-8 p.m. Church youth will sell food and beverages in the near the churchon the Elm Street side before and during the Karl Oskar Days parade.

Sunday, July 12,  events:  

“Come join us as we celebrate Trinity’s 125 years of Christian service —“Steepled in History and Ringing in the Future,” invited the Rev. Eric Nelson. 

9 a.m. Worship, traditional service with liturgy and special music.  Past sons and daughters of the congregation in ministry will participate.

10:05 a.m.   An All Congregation photo will be taken in the Sanctuary. Current and past members of Trinity are welcome to be part of the photo.

10:15 a.m. Coffee and Celebration cake served in the Fellowship Hall before and after 10:30 a.m. worship.

10:30 a.m. Worship with Contemporary Band.  Again, past sons and daughters of the congregation engaged in ministry will participate.

    (Watch for details coming soon on one more special anniversary event on Sunday, Aug. 2, when Trinity invites the community to join them for an old-fashioned “Sunday in the Park” at Trinity featuring music, games and prizes for kids and adults held outdoors on Trinity’s grassy area, weather permitting. )

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