Trinity UMC celebrates rich heritage with weekend celebration

By CHRIS MORRIS
Chris.Morris@newsandtribune.com

September 26, 2008 11:07 am

— There was a time when you needed a ticket to attend Sunday service at Trinity United Methodist Church.
That small, two-story building was located on John Street in 1854, which is now 11th Street in New Albany.
While a ticket is no longer required, one will be on display this weekend as the church celebrates its 120th anniversary with a Heritage Homecoming. The festivities begin Saturday and will conclude Sunday with a service and pitch-in dinner.
“Celebrations like this are a good starting point to move forward,” said Trinity Rev. Len Sjogren.
The church has always been moving forward.
Over the years, the congregation has outgrown numerous facilities before finally settling at 2796 Charlestown Road in 1972. The church has more than 750 members and averages around 300 each Sunday, Sjogren said.
The church’s roots began in 1817 in a small building along Pearl Street. After moving to John Street, the church moved to the corner of Spring and 13th streets and was formed as Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. The congregation moved to Charlestown Road in 1958 and its current sanctuary was dedicated in 1972. The Family Life Center was added in 1998.
Not only will the congregation celebrate its milestone, but they also will dedicate the family life center, which recently was paid off.
Sjogren said Trinity members also have been forward-thinkers, always putting the needs of the community first.
“With every church, there are things that make it special,” he said. “We have always been willing to help the community and have been involved in a lot of missions and with Interfaith’s Clothe-A-Teen program for years.
“We have a heritage of a rich worship life. We work hard to make that the case.”
Saturday’s festivities will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be a pig roast, entertainment and activities for the entire family, including corn hole, a petting zoo and several games for kids. There will be a special praise and worship service at 6 p.m. Saturday.
On Sunday, a combined worship service will begin at 11 a.m. with a pitch-in dinner to follow. Both days there will be several old pictures and a timeline on display. Former pastors have also been invited to the festivities.
“We want the public to know they are invited,” said Bill Lohmeyer, who has been a member for more than 50 years. “We hope people come back who have moved out of the community or moved to other churches.”
Lohmeyer said Trinity has placed emphasis on music through the years, which attracted him to the church. He said he still sings in the church’s choir.
As for the weekend, large crowds are expected, but Sjogren said he has “no idea” how many people will attend. However, he said it should be a huge event.
“It’s a major celebration,” he said.

PARTY TIME
• Trinity United Methodist Church will host its 120th anniversary celebration — Heritage Homecoming — on Saturday and Sunday. There will be several activities Saturday for the entire family, including a pig roast from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by a worship service at 6 p.m. On Sunday, worship service begins at 11 a.m., followed by a pitch-in dinner. The public is invited to the festivities at 2796 Charlestown Road in New Albany.

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