The Sanctuary Centennial

Our current church building, which includes the Nave, Wagenhals Hall, and the upstairs office areas, was built in 1925 by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue under the pastoral care of Dr. Paul Krauss. For 100 years, we have worshipped in the building, fostering community and a love of Christ that has affected generations within our congregation.

Throughout 2025, we will be highlighting and focusing on some key moments, members, events, etc., as we celebrate our building’s centennial. Make sure to check this page frequently to keep up with the memories!

To skip to a specific subject of our history, click these links:
Image Gallery | Women’s History | Historical Documents

Women's History Month

March marks Women's History Month, and women have always been an important part of our church. From needlework to Sunday School to pastors to the Women's Union Guild, they have always had a hand in the workings of the congregation. In the month of March, we're highlighting their influence as well as sharing some recipes that were included in the Trinity Fare Cookbook. This cookbook was created and sold in the late 1950's by The Women's Union of Trinity to help realize the dream of a new building where their childrens' hunger for spiritual food would be tempted and satisfied.

Angel Pie
Mrs. Paul H. Krauss (wife of Dr. Paul H. Krauss)

To make shell:

4 egg whites beaten stiff with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar
Beat in 1 cup of granulated sugar
A little salt

Bake in a buttered tin about 40 minutes at 350°F.

Filling:

Cook in double boiler

4 egg yolks, beaten
juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon of flour

Beat while cooking.
When cold, add 1/2 pint of whipped cream.
Put in meringue shell.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tuna Casserole
Mrs. Fred M. Thompson (secretary to Dr. Krauss and mother of Barb Bearman)

1 package (6 oz.) fine noodles
1 green pepper - chopped
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 cup of milk
2 hard cooked eggs - chopped
1 7 oz. can tuna fish
1/4 lb. pimiento cheese
6 tablespoon flaked cereal

Add milk to mushroom soup. Heat. Add cheese and stir until cheese has melted. Then add cooked noodles, green pepper, eggs, and tuna fish. Mix well. Put in buttered casserole, sprinkle buttered flaked cereal crumbs over the top, and bake in moderate oven at 350°F for 25 minutes. Serves 8.

Women's Union Guild

Women have played an integral part in the ministry of Trinity English since our earliest days. Despite rarely being in the forefront in the beginning, women gained strength and momentum within the congregation as the decades continued, changing and evolving to best serve the community. Looking back, it offers a fascinating study through which we can learn how our women shaped and formed their endeavors to best serve and influence parish life through the present.

Formed in 1859, the original Sewing Circle transformed itself into the 1867 Mite Society to widen its purpose to include fund raising to help liquidate the church building debt. The Dorcas Society emerged in 1882 to include more fund raising activities. In 1925, this group was able to celebrate their assistance in the building of a new kitchen / dining hall. They inaugurated the newly designed space with a congregational dinner provided at a cost of 75¢ per person. Later, the Dorcas Society gifted Dr. Kraus $100 for the purpose of purchasing a new car. Trinity Circle provided Dr. Wagenhals' family with $584.10 to purchase a suitable marker for his gravesite in Lindenwood Cemetery that can still be visited today.

After 1925, the Altar Guild was added to specifically care for the chancel, altar paraments, and Holy Communion equipment. Due to increased parish interest, a Get Acquainted Circle and Women's Missionary Society were also established. Later, a Deaconess Society was formed to deliver baskets to the poor at Christmas and Easter, send cards, and visit the ill in the name of the church. By 1927, The Women's Union divided into five geographical sections and became a much larger Women's Guild composed of 16 Circles developed for the purpose of inspirational and religious programs, along with social activities open to all women of Trinity English.

From these beginnings, our parish today celebrates WELCA (Women of the ELCA) comprised of groups of women serving local, national, and international charities in the form of goods, services, and monetary gifts. Trinity English Circles continue to be a blessing to many, and an opportunity for women to demonstrate their servants' hearts and commitment to those in need.

Sunday school & drama ministry

Sunday School developed during the Wagenhals years. There were classes for men, women, and children. In the 1900's, Mrs. Charles R. Martin taught a women’s class that averaged 70 women each Sunday.

When Dr. Krauss came to Trinity in 1920, his wife, Helen Krauss, was very active teaching Sunday School.

From 1920 to 1956, Sunday School classes met in the second floor galleries around Wagenhals Hall. By 1956, the educational wing with Krauss Chapel was added to the west side of the church. Mary Brimmer was hired as the superintendent of Sunday School, and she added drama ministry to the program. Miss Brimmer wrote In the Days of Thy Youth as a simpler version of the catechism for children. Mary Brimmer retired in 1955.

In 1856, Reverend John E. Sjauken was called as associate minister. From 1956 - 1975, Pastor Sjauken was in charge of Sunday School, Chapel Services, and teaching Confirmation. One noted Sunday School teacher from this era was Jo Garman. She began assisting in Sunday School at 15 years old, and taught for a total of 61 years.

The Drama Ministry of Trinity was started by Helen Krauss in 1920. Mary Brimmer expanded the program from 1920 - 1955. Norma Antibus was Trinity’s first full-time Drama Director from 1955 - 1983. She expanded drama to include children’s groups, women’s groups, and developed a strong puppet ministry. She wrote and directed The Road to Bethlehem, the original Christmas drama. Mrs. Antibus was assisted by Marilyn Finkbeiner (Pastor Lee’s grandmother). Sufferin’ Saints was a major production in 1968. Nancy Carlson was director from 1983 - 1989. She worked with children and adults, and wrote His Light Shining, The Magic Pebble, and Mountain Molly. Mrs. Carlson began using live babies in the Christmas drama - this always added an extra suspense to the production. Diane Shrubsall Gianakeff led the drama ministry starting in 1989. Diane and Berkley Guse (Trinity’s Assistant Organist) initiated Shining Lights - a weeklong summer arts camp with music, drama, and dance. Each summer ended with a live performance for family and friends.

Dorcas & Needlework

As early as 1859, the women of Trinity organized a Sewing Society. This group promoted rummage sales, teas, and congregational dinners to raise funds for a "new" church in 1863. In 1882, the Dorcas Society was founded. Its original purpose was fundraising for the church.

By 1920, Dorcas Society became the Dorcas Circle. It expanded its sewing efforts while down-playing the general fundraising for the church. Some of its activities included hand stitching quilts, sewing cancer pads, and making hand embroidered baptismal napkins. As younger pastors began having families, Dorcas members made baby quilts for each new addition.

In 1970, a group of women began making seat cushions for the choir pews and kneelers for the altar area. Over 200 women worked on the needlework project including Kathy Ainsworth, Isabel Parker, Carol Pope, Candy Cress, Connie Gregory, Bunny Borgman, and Linda Irmscher. This group became a part of Dorcas Circle, expanding its sewing efforts to add to the beauty of the church and enhance the worship experience. Dorcas members began making stoles for the ministers, banners for the church, and paraments for the altar, pulpit, and lectern. Sue Foreman, Opal Sauer, and June Goulet headed this group for many years.

As the women of Dorcas have aged, they now gather for special projects. They make lap quilts for the men of Shepherd's House. They financially support both the global and community projects the church supports, such as Baby Closet and Lutheran World Relief. Their newest focus is an exhibit space in the Gathering Area to display the historical needlework of the church.

Fruit Cookies
Mrs. Leonard Dornte (Great Aunt of Ruth Darstein)

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
1/2 cup sour milk
2 cups raisins
1 cup dates
2 cups nut meats
3 eggs beaten separately
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon soda

Mix together. Drop on buttered pan. Bake in moderate oven.

‘

Ham Loaf
Provided by Katherine Pierson (mother of Pastor Arnie Pierson)

1 lb. ham
2 eggs
4 tablespoons cream or milk
1 lb. veal
1 cup cracker crumbs

Steam or bake.

Women’s role on church council & in faith-based organizations in Fort Wayne

Sunday School developed during the Wagenhals years. There were classes for men, women, and children. In the 1900's, Mrs. Charles R. Martin taught a women’s class that averaged 70 women each Sunday.

When Dr. Krauss came to Trinity in 1920, his wife, Helen Krauss, was very active teaching Sunday School.

From then to now…

Since our founding days, Trinity English has been both grateful and appreciative of the role women have played in ministry. Throughout our long history, women have been an important and integral component of our church life. Back in 1877, our Constitution was amended to allow women to vote during the annual congregational meetings. The Dorcas Society in 1882 became so adept at financial fundraising, they were contributing 25% to the total annual budget. Dr. Krauss encouraged Biblical study and suggested all women’s groups begin their meetings with scripture and prayer in 1927. Dorothea Schlatter was elected the first woman to serve on the Church Council in 1969 and women have served successively since.

Trinity English, along with our sister congregations, began early and rigorously to lay the groundwork and establish a pathway to encourage women to greater paraticipation in parish life and full time ministry. Today, 40% of our ELCA pastors are women.

Our parish is extremely grateful for the dynamic and grace-filled ministry of the Rev. Dr. Kathleen Haller, who served us faithfully from 1984 - 2020.

The Rev. Angela Shannon (pictured wearing a stole created by the Dorcas Society) brought to us both enthusiasm and insight when she served from 2002 to 2008.

The Rev. Lee Zandstra was called to Trinity in 2023, and we look forward to many more years of the rich blessing her ministry brings.

Also since 2023, Deacon Mary Lasits has shared with us her gifts of financial acumen and outreach strengths for which we are most grateful.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neigher male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galations 3:28

Potato Puffs
Provided by Mrs. L.A. VanCamp (Aunt of Barb & Sue Schoppmann)

1 cup mashed potatoes
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 eggs well-beat
½ cup flour

Fry in deep fat.

A History in Documents

Our church has many archived documents pertaining to our building’s history and construction. From contracts to cornerstones, the process of erecting our Sanctuary was a work of love and community.

At the morning service the clergy in the procession were Rev. E. F. Krauss, D. D., father of Rev. Paul H. Krauss, professor in the Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, who read the first lesson; Rev. A. N. Hitchcock, secretary of the American board of commissioners for foreign missions, who read the second lesson; Rev. N. R. Melhorn, of Philadelphia, editor of the Lutheran, official paper of the United Lutheran church, who read the dedicatory prayer, and the pastor, who conducted the service, performed the act of dedication and preached the sermon, basing his remarks on the curiously contracted, half-Greek, half-Latin inscription taken from an old London church as carved on the pulpit of the new church; “We preach Christ crucified.”
In the procession were the following: The church council comprising W. A. Bohn, carrying the Bible; J. M. Landenberger, carrying the communion service; W. H. Plogsterth, carrying the patten and George Becker and J. F. Bauerle, carrying the alms baskets; Carl J. Seudhoff, W. A. Sheets, Erwin H. Manth, E. L. Hobrock, Nestor Fries and J. W. Reynolds. The fifth elder, Theodore Wentz, is in Florida and L. A. Schwan, the fifth deacon, appeared with the choir. Then followed the building committee: J. B. Franke, chairman; Arnold G. W. Curdes, Adolph G. Foellinger, G.H. Heine, Walter Heit, Henry J. Herbst, Mrs. William Hahn, Miss Abbie Pfeiffer, Miss Bertha Krudop, W. A. Bohn, E. L. Hobrock; the furnishings committee, Mrs. L. F. Eberbach, Miss Esther Erickson, Miss Vivian Erickson, Mrs. Paul H. Krauss, Mra. J. M. Landenberger, Mrs. E. H. Manth, Mrs. Rose Maxwell, Mrs. Charles Miller, Mrs. Charles F. Pfeiffer, Miss Caroline Pressler, Mrs. H. C. Rockwell, and officers of the church so---, J. R. Cook, of the Men’s Brotherhood; Paul Weitzman, of the ---ther league; Mrs. C. J. Lose of the ---Acquainted circle, and Mrs. J. W. ---, of the Woman’s Missionary society.
At the morning and vesper services, held at 4 o’clock ain the afternoon the principal soloist was Mrs. Estelle Hitchcock Vernet, soprano, who has just accepted the directorship of the radio station KYW at Chicago. She is a sister of Mrs. Paul H. Krauss, wife of the pastor.”

Item #1

Formal Transfer of Keys at Dedication of Trinity English Lutheran Church
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Dec. 14, 1925

“Those who took part in the ceremony at the opening of the Trinity English Lutheran church doors at the dedication service yesterday morning were Charles R. Wermuth and Alfred C. Wermuth, contractors, shown at the right of the picture, just back of Rev. Paul H. Krauss, who stands near the center. Rev. Krauss transferred the keys to O. H. Murray, representing the architects, who in turn handed them to J. B. Franke, chairman of the building committee, first from the center on the left of the picture.
Mr. Franke unlocked and opened the doors and presented the keys to the pastor, saying: “We present unto you this building to be dedicated as a church to the worship and service of Almighty God.”
Standing back of Mr. Franke in the picture are: Dr. N. R. Melhorn, Dr. E. F. Krauss and Dr. A. N. Hitchcock. On the other side immediately back of the contractors are Gottlieb Heine, member of the building committee, and W.A. Bohn, president of the church council.”

Article 2: Hopes of Years Realized as Trinity Opens Church
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Dec. 14, 1925

“...To an observer the structure seemed more than an architectural masterpiece. It seemed more of a spiritual achievement and only as there blossoms in the life of the members the spiritual beauty of which the church is but a material symbolization, will it serve its purpose and justify the effort and sacrifices made in its erection.
It seemed a monument to a noble past, a witness of a faithful people, hallowed by prayer and consecrated to holy aims. And so it was that the pastor said to his people:
“Let us pray always for humility of spirit, and earnestness of purpose and simplicity of faith, and daily increasing beauty of soul, that we may be living stones in the great temple of the worth of God to whom we dedicate this earthly structure for His worship and praise through coming generations.”
Alfred C. Wermuth, contractor, who built the church, handed the keys over to O. H. Murray, representative of the architect, who, in turn, handed them to J. B. Franke, chairman of the building committee. Mr. Franke unlocked the door and gave the keys to W. A. Bohn, president of the church council, who presented them to Rev. Krauss.
In going down the aisle the building committee, church council and heads of church organizations, following the pastor, repeated alternately the words of the twenty-fourth psalm: “Lift up your heads O, ye gates and be lifted up ye everlasting doors and the King of Glory shall come in-” This group took their seats in the chancel and the choir members took their places and the service proceeded in regular order.

Item #2

Building Committee’s decisions regarding the initial building blueprints
August 11, 1922

John B. Franke, chairman of Trinity’s building committee, wrote and sent a letter to Rev. Paul Krauss outlining the suggestions the building committee made. The Reverend was on vacation at the time the letter was sent to him.

My dear Pastor,

Yesterday’s mail brought your package containing letters and blue prints for which I waited a couple days and I decided yesterday morning to call a meeting of the Committee and have them go over the copies of blue prints which I had. I was very glad to see the letters as they helped me materially. The attendance was small but I was well pleased with the meeting. We sat around the table and kept to the text; a fine interest and spirited was manifested.
The committee’s suggestions may be too elaborate but they felt that they wanted to give expression to their desire, then if the price does not permit all, the scheme could be modified by the process of elimination.
They felt, particularly, that the Sunday School should be on the first floor as much as possible. Mrs. Hahn was for liberal sized rooms and wanted a kitchenette for their social room. You will notice I suggested in the sketch that a little space could be used for serving, either the ladies or the men’s social room. Miss Krudop insisted that there must be plenty room for the primary department. I mention these so that you can see everyone had his say, everything that was suggested was unanimously approved.
I am enclosing a copy of my letter to Mr. Goodhue, which I dictated this morning. This will surely give the architect a pretty good idea of what we have in mind. Mr. Goodhue is in Europe and is expected home in the middle part of September.
Enjoy yourself and get the most out of your vacation. With kind greetings to all, I am
Sincerely yours,
JBFranke

In response to J. B. Franke’s letter with the building committee’s suggestions, Rev. Krauss responded with his own. J. B. Franke then sent to Mr. Goodhue the decided-upon revisions of the original blueprint. This is that letter.

My dear Mr. Goodhue:

I am enclosing a letter sent to me by our Pastor Rev. Krauss, who is on his vacation, for the Building Committee’s consideration and to be forwarded to you.
The Committee met last evening and, in general, endorsed the letter of Pastor Krauss, and the following points were unanimously favored.
The main entrance to the Church should be on Wayne St. They preferred scheme “C” for the Church Auditorium, they like the proportions best; the transept galleries in the “C” scheme are not as deep, which they prefer. They were all of one mind that the Church Auditorium should be dedicated to the one purpose, worship.

The Committee feels if it is necessary in order to keep within our limits of cost to use the basement under the Church Auditorium, that they could agree to it, taking the view that it matters not so much whether the social rooms are below the floor of the Church Auditorium or whether they are on the side, separated by a wall. In any event, it is the judgement that the basement should be excavated even if it is not finished at the present time. In addition, there should be full excavation under the Parish House.
We do not like the plan “C” Parish House as well as plan “B”. For the basement of the Parish House, we suggest a dining room and kitchen, wash rooms, toilet rooms and storage rooms. They also suggest that the Choir room be put in the basement underneath the location shown on the first floor plan, scheme “C”. If it can be arranged, we suggest a passage way from the Choir room through the basement to the front of the Church, so that the Choir may go up to the first floor at the entrance and march down the center aisle to the Chancel. Connecting with the Choir room, provide men’s lockers, with wash room and ladies’ lockers with wash room.
The first floor plan should include an intermediate department, primary department, ladies’ social room, men’s social rooms, - the latter could be divided into two rooms by folding doors and used for class rooms, - nursery, Pastor’s study and office. All rooms should be of good size. The attached rough sketch reflects the mind of the Committee and, of course, is only offered as their opinion and preference. You will note entrance on Ewing Street is suggested. They feel that the first importance is the Church Auditorium and Chancel and the next important feature in the scheme is a good Sunday School equipment and the last, the social accommodations.
For the second floor, we suggest an Assembly Hall and stage, several class rooms which should be of fair size.
Please revise the drawings and submit to use as soon as possible. Time is the essence of things.
Very truly yours,
JB Franke

Item #3

Contract
April 5, 1924

These are a few pages from the original contract created between Trinity English Lutheran Church and Charles R. Wermuth and Sons.

The pricing for individual aspects of the building are as follows:
  Contractor to furnish and face church and parish house with Neshannock Variegated Stone from the Neshannock quarries at Neshannock Falls, PA for an additional sum of $21,065.00.
  For the substitution of black ribbon slate for the church aisleways, contractor to deduct $701.00.
  For materials on the building site (not including the Bowerfind residence) contractor to allow $3600.00.
  For the substitution of copper shingles for the standing seam copper roof, a deduction is to be made of $563.00.
  For the omission of plumbing and heating contracts, contractor agrees to deduct from base bid $29,000.00.
  Contractor to deduct for the mission of the Surety Bond $1453.00.
  Contractor to deduct for the omission of the electrical work from the base bid $2346.00.
If Lemco casement windows are selected by owners, same are to be furnished for the sum of $4,339.00.
Selection, however, to be made by owners within 15 days of date of Contract.
  Leaded glass for window, doors, and movable partitions together with the basement windows in the Paris House to be furnished for the sun of $2,187.00.
  Glass to be used to be best quality Libbey-Owens, D. S. AA1 glass, set in 1/2" flat lead reinforced.
All structural lumber specified as spruce to be long leaf yellow pine with exception of roof sheathing and subflooring which is to be #2 or better yellow pine.

The Contractor agrees to a deduction of $16,000.00 from the Contract price in the structural steel, reinforced concrete floor system and footings for Tower, tower columns and arches, and is permitted subject to the approval of the Architect, to re-design the same; if under the re-design which the Contractor agrees to submit to the Architect a saving greater than $16,000.00 can be made, said saving above said $16,000.00 and up to $21,000.00 shall be an additional deduction from the Contract price.

Item #4

Dr. Wagenhals Newspaper Clippings - 1920

Article 1
Fortieth Anniversary of Dr. Wagenhals’ Pastorate
An extremely important event in local religious circles will occur next Friday, when the fortieth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Wahenhals’ connection as pastor of the Trinity English Lutheran church here will be celebrated by the congregation with a reception the parlors of the church. The event will also commemorate the fortieth anniversary of Dr. Wagenhals’ ordination to the pastorate, this church being his first and only charge.
The members of the congregation feel that, owing to the unique character of the event that special preparations should be made for its celebration and with this end in view the entertainment. Friday evening promises to be something out of the ordinary. Invitations have been issued to all the members of the congregation and it is understood that friends of Dr. Wagenhals outside of the church, who desire to attend the reception will be made welcome. The plans for the event are being kept a secret. On Sunday morning Dr. Wagenhals will deliver a special sermon, commemorative of the event.
It is not believed that another Fort Wayne pastor ever attained such a record of continuous service in one church. It is possible that the record has not been attained in the state. Rev. D. W. Moffat, pastor emeritus of the First Presbyterian church, ministered for a third of a century in that edifice but previous to his arrival in this city have had another charge. Dr. Wagenhals’ record is particularly unusual, owing to the fact that this, the Trinity church, is the only one of which he ever had charge. At the present time he is in the prime of his powers and is a tremendous force in the religious life of the community.

Article 2
Rev. Wagenhals of Trinity Lutheran, Observes his 76th Anniversary
Dr. Samuel Wagenhals, pastor of the Trinity English Lutheran church, Wayne and Clinton streets, yesterday celebrated his seventy-sixth birthday anniversary, and at the church last evening he was given a happy surprise by his congregation.
The venerable pastor of the church had passed the day quietly, receiving the congratulations of many friends, but was not expecting a call from his congregation. About 7:30 o’clock he was summoned to the church by a telephone message, being informed that there was a man at the church who wanted to make some repairs on the organ. Dr. Wagenhals, residing next to the church, responded immediately to the summons, and entered the church to turn on the lights. He turned them on, and at the same time the Sunday school orchestra struck up a tune, and the surprised pastor stood in front of about three hundred people.
The evening was spent most enjoyably, the many members of the congregation congratulating their pastor and wishing him many more happy returns of the day. Dr. Wagenhals is enjoying splendid health at this time.
Dr. Wagenhals has been pastor of Trinity church for fifty-two years. He was a student in a seminary when he began preaching to the Fort Wayne congregation in April, 1868, and was called to the pastorate of this church the following June, after his graduation. He has been pastor of the congregation ever since, never having had another charge.
A beautiful birthday cake was one of the attractions at the celebration last evening. Refreshments of cake and ice cream were served