March

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.

Recipe #1
Mrs. Paul H. Krauss (wife of Dr. Paul H. Krauss)

Angel Pie

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.

Recipe #2
Mrs. Fred M. Thompson (secretary to Dr. Krauss and mother of Barb Bearman)

Tuna Casserole

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.

Recipe #3
Mrs. Leonard Dornte (Great Aunt of Ruth Darstein)

Fruit Cookies

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.

‘

Recipe #4
Provided by Katherine Pierson (mother of Pastor Arnie Pierson)

Ham Loaf

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 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.

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

Recipe #5
Provided by Mrs. L.A. VanCamp (Aunt of Barb & Sue Schoppmann)

Potato Puffs

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

Fry in deep fat.

Trinity English's 100th Birthday