We dedicate this history, our past, and our lives, present and future, to the greater glory of God. Christ's work among us has made possible 125 years of Christian witness by people of the Lutheran tradition in Castleton, Schodack, and beyond. We thank Christ for allowing us this place and this time on earth to share his Good News of salvation with the human family. We move forward secure in the promise of his presence among us.
A Brief History
April 20, 1880 -April 20, 1980
Original Writing by Mr. Clarence Broden in 1967
Rewritten and updated by Mr. Wayne Bennett in 1980
As early as 1875 the first efforts were made to organize a Lutheran congregation in the Castleton area, but all such efforts were without success. It remained for the Rev. J.C.J. Peterson, pastor of the newly organized Trinity Lutheran Church in Albany, to crystallize the wishes of the devout Lutherans in the area.
On April 20, 1880, with the help of Pastor Peterson, our congregation was organized with the Rev. Frederick Ludwig Braun as the first resident pastor.
On June 3, 1880, Pastor Braun informed the president of the New York Ministerium that, in the constitution of Holy Trinity Church, Castleton, the desire was expressed that the congregation affiliates with a synod of true faith. The president declared this congregation to be received into the Ministerium and requested the secretary of the synod to place their name on the roll. The word German does not appear in the application for reception into Synod. The cornerstone of our church bears the name Holy Trinity but omits the word German. It is apparent that although the German tongue was used as being more familiar, our founders realized at once that eventually the service should be in the language of the new country. The new congregation worshipped in what is now the Village Hall on South Main Street.
In 1882, although the members were happy that they were at last worshipping together as a Lutheran body, a need was felt for a place of their own.
Under the Rev. Frederick Sydow, who had succeeded Braun in 1882 as pastor, the congregation was incorporated on January
2,1883. Once the decision to incorporate was made, action followed speedily. The Trustees of the Church purchased two lots from George and Martha Hudson. They comprised a part of what was known as the west part of the Hudson farm and were located at South Road and Hudson Street. The purchase price was $300. The purpose in buying the lots was "to build a house of worship." The contractor, Martin Sousau, was ordered to draw up plans and build the church. The original cost of the construction is not known. The cornerstone was laid on May 13, 1883. The church was officially entitled the Evangelical Lutheran Holy Trinity Church.
The building was completed during October of 1883 and was dedicated on October 21, 1883.
The original church was oblong in shape and situated roughly north and south. It was without what we now call our "Old Sunday School Rooms," which were added on later to the south end of the original church. The outside of the building appeared much as it does in the present except for the spire or steeple that was removed in 1953. Unlike the double doors opening at present to the center aisle, the early church had two separate doors opening from the vestibule to the right and left. There were three rows of pews with two aisles instead of the current arrangement. Originally a small reed organ and later a pipe organ occupied the area immediately inside the present double doors. The pipe organ was first pumped by hand and not until many years later was an electric blower added. The chancel presented an entirely different appearance.
In the 1920's changes were gradually made. At the proper time the pastor would rise from his chair and ascend the seven steps on either side of the chancel to the high pulpit in its center on which the Bible was placed. Our church presented a most beautiful appearance with its ornamental wrought iron chandeliers suspended from the center of properly placed locations in the ceiling. In addition, the sides of the interior were also furnished with lamps affixed to the walls. These lamps burned kerosene and the shades were delicate etched glass.
In 1884 the Rev. Frederick Leddin succeeded the Rev. Sydow
The Rev. Carl Gueldenapfel succeeded Rev. Frederick Leddin in 1886.
The new congregation was host to the meeting of Conference on September 21, 1887. On that evening, the Rev. Ernst Hoffman of St. John's Lutheran Church, Albany, suffered a stroke and died immediately. Pastor Hoffman had indirectly been responsible for the founding of the Castleton church because it was he who had been instrumental in securing the Rev. Peterson as a missionary pastor in the Albany area.
The Rev. Gueldenapfel resigned in October 1889 to take a call in Lyons, New York. At this time, the Rev. Herman Ziel came to serve Trinity. During the Rev. Ziel pastorate, a bell was purchased for the tower. The bell weighed 500 pounds and was cast by the Clinton Menely Bell Foundry in Troy, New York at a cost of $150.56. The bell was dedicated on December 22, 1889. In 1890 it was officially approved to be the fire alarm for the village in addition to its more traditional use.
The Rev. Ziel resigned in 1891 to relocate in Tonawanda, New York. The Rev. Alfred Krause was installed on March 1, 1891. He did not feel that he was fitted to the charges, but promised to serve for six months. He resigned in September of 1891 to attend Wagner College for teaching purposes. Pastor Gueldenapfel was recalled from Lyons to serve as pastor in the fall of 1891. He served until his death on November 28, 1921, with a total constant pastorate of thirty years at Trinity.
On December 19, 1891, a committee was appointed to investigate the plans for an addition to be used for a Sunday School and meeting room. On February 22, 1892, the plans were approved and the contract was given to Martin Sousau with the provision that the addition should be completed by July 1, 1892. Mr. Sousau secured the Ostrander brothers to fulfill the terms of the contract. The total cost of the new addition was $900. Mr. Charles Seiffarth, one of the founders of the congregation, loaned the money for the construction. Mr. Osborne Earing insured the structure for $1,200, which included furnishings, and was dedicated in October 1892. The Luther League donated the chandeliers that were also installed in 1892.
A special committee was appointed on April 17, 1891 to have a new pipe organ built. This goal was not realized until 1895 when a new organ was purchased through the financial assistance of the Ladies Aid and the Luther League. In 1895, the new Mueller & Abel pipe organ was installed.
In June 1904, English language services were introduced and, in 1906, an English language Sunday School was organized. It was becoming increasingly apparent that the service must be in a language that everybody could understand. No one could estimate how many members were lost to the Lutheran Church because of the insistence upon the use of the German language. All of the minutes of the church were written in German until January 1, 1922.
On February 11, 1883, the Ladies Aid was organized. The Sewing Circle was organized on February 3, 1933. Each society worked with the other in caring for the needs of the church. The lot on which the current Parish Hall rests was purchased from the A. C. Cheney Piano Action Company on December 21, 1913, as the result of financial endeavors afforded by both the Ladies Aid and the Sewing Circle. The use of offering envelopes began on March 7, 1910.
The Rev. Frederick Grunst arrived in 1922. On December 1, 1922 the property of Mrs. Mable Tweedale, at 27 Van Buren Avenue, was purchased for $4,000 and this became the new parsonage. During 1922, the Church Council decided that German language services would be held on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of the month and the English language services on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. As of November 8, 1940, German language services were suspended with the exception of the Reformation Service and Good Friday. German language services were completely abolished during 1942. In April 1946, the German bibles were donated to the Rev. James Harrison with the exception of the oldest one that remained with the church.
During 1924 the Primary Department of the Sunday School-was organized.
While Pastor Grunst served us, many changes were made in the appearance of the church. The high pulpit was removed and on November 29, 1925, a memorial dedication was held. New electric lights had been installed and, at this service, a copy of the Hoffman painting, Christ Knocking at the Door was placed above the altar. A new altar, new pulpit, altar cross, candlesticks, vases, a missal stand, a baptismal font, and a new lectern all helped give our chancel a most churchly appearance. On October 20, 1929, land was purchased from Lena Metzger to the south of the church at a cost of $450. This area is now our parking lot.
Pastor Grunst resigned on October 9, 1929, and the Rev. Albert Schilke was elected as the new pastor on February 20, 1930. Under his guidance the Men's Club became very active, and on November 1, 1930, the mortgage to the parsonage was burned.
Pastor Schilke resigned on February 15, 1932 and the Rev. Edward Haviar arrived to take the pastorate. On September 11, 1932, a Jubilee Festival was held in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the church.
On June 1, 1934, Pastor Haviar resigned and on February 7, 1935, the Rev. Arthur G. Posselt became our pastor. Despite the Depression, a committee was formed on January 21, 1936, to investigate the possibility of putting a full basement under the church or the cost of an addition. Under Pastor Posselt's administration we discarded the old pipe organ, and a new Hammond electric organ was purchased. During 1938, pews were installed, replacing the benches.
On February 20, 1944, Pastor Posselt resigned. A special meeting was held on March 19, 1944, at which the congregation requested the aid of Synod President Dr. Trexler in finding a new pastor. The church was fortunate in securing the Rev. R. Whitson Seaman as our new pastor. He served us from 1944 until 1947. Under Pastor Seaman's guidance we began taking a larger part in the work of the United Lutheran Church in America. We became affiliated with the Albany Federation of Churches in 1945 and agreed to open our pulpit to Evangelical ministers. Contributions to Synod were increased, and we began to participate in the contributory pension plan for ministers.
On February 6, 1947, it was apparent that something had to be done to provide more room for our growing Sunday School. It was voted to confine our efforts to the construction of a separate building and not attempt to alter our then current structure. After careful thought, Pastor Seaman accepted a call from Bethany Church in North Bergen, New Jersey and resigned effective November 1, 1947.
The Rev. Oliver Sands was appointed pastor on October 19, 1947. It was during this pastorate that the need for more space became so acute that, in 1950, a permanent building committee was organized along with a finance committee. The W. Parker Dodge Associates architectural firm was contracted to submit plans to suit the needs of the congregation.
After authorizing a sum of $30,000 for construction, it was determined that an additional $10,000 would be needed to complete the project. All funding was approved and the new Parish Hall was completed and dedicated on September 14, 1952.
In 1953, the spire of the church, which had long been a landmark, was found to be unsafe. It was removed and replaced by a cross early in 1954. With the completion of the Parish Hall and its cost almost entirely paid off, Pastor Sands terminated his pastorate on June 10, 1953. One of the changes that accompanied this major project was the transformation of the old church kitchen into the pastor's study.
On December 1, 1953, Pastor Walter J. Bielitz assumed the pastorate at Trinity. During 1954 the parsonage was completely renovated including installation of a new heating system, electric range and other kitchen equipment. Audiovisual aids were purchased for use by the Sunday School. During 1954, two services, 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM, were introduced for the convenience of the congregation. The painting Martin Luther by Mr. Hajo Christoph was received and dedicated.
On July 5, 1955, tragedy struck the church in the form of a fire. During the fire, men carried out the chancel furniture that was later refinished and restored. The painting over the altar was carefully removed, rolled into a tube and stored. One can vividly remember the sight of the contents of the church on the lawn just west of the building. During reconstruction, services were held at the VFW building on Scott Avenue. Special congregational meetings were held at St. Paul's Methodist Church on Main Street. The 75th Anniversary Celebration was held at the VFW Hall and a birthday party was held at the Methodist Church Parish Hall. The Rev. Paul Kirsch was the guest speaker at the anniversary celebration and Pastor Grunst returned to be the speaker at the birthday celebration party. The first church program to be held back at Trinity was on December 23, 1955 in the basement of the Parish Hall. After many months of rebuilding the rededication services were held on September 3, 1956, with the Rev. Clayton Van Deusen officiating.
Pastor Bielitz resigned on October 31, 1958. On December 10, 1958, the call was given to the Rev. Henry J. Hund who arrived in January 1959. While Pastor Hund was with us, we installed siding on the church and purchased a new parsonage adjacent to the church at 70 Green Avenue. On January 15, 1965, Pastor Hund resigned to enter a study program to become a missionary pastor in Taiwan where he and his wife, Barbara, then began their service.
On February 22, 1965, the Church Council approved a resolution to remove the wording Evangelical from the name of the church.
Pastors Arthur Baron and Kurt Ottway assumed the duties as vice-pastors until the arrival of the Rev. John Kaercher on June 6, 1965. Pastor Kaercher began the acolyte program, instituted chanting of the liturgy, and introduced the new Service Book & Hymnal.
During 1966, Lutheran Church Women became affiliated with the Upper New York Synod Lutheran Church Women. In June of 1966, the communion rail was installed on a trial basis in the church. It would become a permanent installation in January of 1967 and continues to be an integral part of our worship setting. In November of 1966 a program was started whereby sermons were tape- recorded and delivered to the shut-ins enabling them to hear the works and words of God outside the walls of the church.
In January 1969, Mrs. Charlotte Young was recognized for her 50 years of service to Trinity. Mrs. Young served as Trinity's organist until her retirement in January of 1970. As part of an expanded worship and music program, folk services were first held on April 13, 1969.
During April 1970, a program of family discussion groups was begun in conjunction with the Sunday School Program. In October of 1970, Trinity completed another successful financial endeavor and burned the mortgage to the present parsonage adjacent to the church.
In January of 1971, Pastor Kaercher resigned to accept a call to St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Archibald, Pennsylvania. A call was given to the Rev. Vernon A. Victorson on June 13, 1971. During 1971 the church instituted the pledge card system and Every Member Visits to assist in the preparation of the annual church budget.
In March of 1972, a fund was established to purchase a new organ to facilitate the growing worship and music program. Through the generosity of members, as well as volunteer time, the new organ became a reality and was installed in May 1972.
In June 1972, Trinity originated the church newsletter entitled The Steeple, which would inform all members of the congregation as to the current and upcoming events surrounding the church.
In November 1972, Trinity, in conjunction with the other area churches, began participation in the newly organized FISH program, rendering assistance in the form of transportation and referrals to residents of the area.
On June 11, 1974, a committee was formed to look into major reconstruction of the church facilities. The project was called Project Facelift and officially commenced on June 23, 1974. Through the generous donations, loans, and time volunteered by members, the program was a success. Literally all areas of the church and Parish Hall were affected. Offices and storage facilities were constructed in the Parish Hall, the pastor's office was modernized, and carpeting was installed in the Parish Hall. Through these and many other changes, the church and Parish Hall took on a new and beautiful look as well as increased efficiency of design. Project Facelift was completed in January of 1978.
In June of 1975, Trinity and other local churches participated in a joint effort to relocate a displaced Vietnamese family in the local area. The family arrived in September of 1975.
The church instituted a program for preaching and liturgical deacons in July of 1975.
In December of 1975, Trinity joined the newly formed Cooperative Christian Ministries of Schodack. C.C.M.S., as it is called, today includes as member churches: Emmanuel Reformed Church, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Saint Paul's United Methodist Church, The Reformed Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill, and Trinity Lutheran Church.
During 1976, Trinity instituted major landscaping changes in the church property, adding to its beauty and appearance.
Trinity joined with numerous local churches and organizations to make the 1976 Village of Castleton Sesquicentennial Celebration a huge success.
On April 4, 1977, Pastor Victorson resigned to accept a call with Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Utica, New York. The call was given to the Rev. Daniel K. Nagle on April 15, 1977, with pastor Nagle beginning his ministry at Trinity on July 1, 1977.
A Hymn of the Month program began in August of 1977 to aid the congregation in learning new hymns. The growth of the choir in 1978 aided the worship and music program of the congregation a great deal.
Continuing cooperation among the churches of Castleton and the surrounding area through C.C.M.S. has allowed our congregation to expand its ministry and the ministries of the other congregations beyond what any of the congregations would be able to do alone. The Christmas Shoppe, Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets, a clothing exchange, and emergency food and relief services are all responsibilities to people in need that are shared by the C.C.M.S. churches. In November of 1977, numerous members of the congregation, both young and old, participated in the CROP Walk for Hunger covering a ten-mile span. We continue common worship services with the C.C.M.S. churches on Thanksgiving Eve and on Sunday evenings during the Lenten season. In the summer each year the children of our churches gather for Vacation Church School where they meet each other and share the faith we have in common as well as the distinctive aspects of each of our traditions.
In 1978 we began the introduction of the Lutheran Book of Worship. On The Sunday of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, February 25, 1979, we worshipped for the first time with the entire liturgy for Holy Communion being the form printed in the LB.W.
During the latter part of 1979 and early 1980, the 100th Anniversary Committee set the dates of April 19 and 20, 1980, for special events marking the observance of the 100th anniversary. The Anniversary Banquet was held on April 19, 1980, at Emmanuel Reformed Church. The following day we shared in the Sacrament of Holy Communion with The Rev. Dr. Edward K. Perry, President of the Upper New York Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, as presiding minister. Many of our former pastors and sons of this congregation in the ordained ministry returned to celebrate and worship with us.
On February 6, 1980, the bell at Trinity heralded the arrival of the 1980 Winter Olympic Torch Runners on their way from Virginia to Lake Placid, New York.
Trinity has been known for its accomplishments both large and small. For 100 years the congregation has overcome many problems whether they were financial, construction, or leadership. Whenever the need arose, we have always had people to volunteer their time and knowledge towards the resolve of those problems. God has been good to all of the members of Trinity through these first 100 years, and we pray that he will continue to assist us in the future years in our needs and desires in searching out his word and guidance.
1980-2005
Under the leadership of Reverend Laura Noble, Reverend Elizabeth Parker, and Reverend Leslie McCarty the decade of the 80's and the early 90's brought many improvements to our congregation. In 198?, microphone equipment was installed. In 1982 aluminum siding was put on the church and a gas furnace was installed. Ceiling fans were installed in 1983. In 1987 a copier and a computer were purchased. The painting of the church that now hangs in parish hall was given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Farber and August Lebreght. Later in 1987 a Rogers organ was given to the church by Mr. Raymond Gietz.
In September of 1983 the Castleton Kids school age childcare program was started. Trinity has rented space to this program continually since then. It is rewarding to know that we are supplying a safe place for our youth.
In the early 1990's our congregation went through a quiet time when through a quiet time under the direction of Pastor Leslie McCarty.
On November 3rd, 1996 our current Pastor, Reverend James C. Doyle was installed as the 22nd Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church.
In 1997 our youth room received a face-lift, TV, DC, and Ping-Pong table, given in memory of Mrs. Pamela Meineker by Mr. James Meineker.
In October of 1997 our long time organist Mrs. Jean Bookhop resigned.
Sadly, in February of 1998, Pastor's family and our congregation suffered a great loss. Erika Doyle, Pastor James and Ieva Doyle's oldest daughter passed away in a skiing accident. A service celebrating Erika's life was held at Trinity Lutheran Church on February 21st, 1998. Pastor and his wife are an inspiration to our congregation and a testimony to what faith can accomplish even through such a tragedy.
On May 3rd, 1998 Mr. Arnold Seim accepted the position of church organist and choir director. Jean Bookhop graciously fills in for Arnold while he vacations in Florida for the winter.
In 1998 through 1999 a new heating system was installed with a total cost of $63,500. Monetary contributions were so generous that we did not have to seek outside funding from another institution.
In April of 1999, Mrs. Betty Butts in loving memory of her husband Norman Butts donated a new copier. In January of 2000 the congregation voted to purchase hand bells and music stands with the memorial funds of Betty and Norman Butts.
In the spring of 2000 the activity committee purchased 100 new folding chairs and a storage rack for the new chairs.
In November of 2001 the carpeting in fellowship hall was replaced by commercial grade tile and new carpeting was installed in the fellowship hall office and the choir hallway. The new flooring and new curtains for fellowship hall were purchased from our memorial fund.
In 2002 a new kitchen stove was installed by funds raised by the Activity committee. The interior of the church nave, including the ceiling, was repainted in brighter colors.
On November 24th, 2002, the green and white paraments and the coat racks were purchased with funds donated in memory of Mr. Arthur Wright and dedicated in his honor at a Sunday service.
In 2003 the offering plates, the kneeling cushions and the Ciborium were replaced. Also in 2003 a new roof was put on the parsonage.
In 2004, members of the congregation installed a new bathroom in the parsonage.
In October of 2004 a new roof was installed on the church building including the fellowship hall.
Presently, members of the congregation are completing repainting the trim under the roof and the steeple. Additionally, the church property continues to become more attractive as colorful plantings are regularly added to the landscape.
One thing that has stayed constant through the past 25 years is our congregation's continual support of our Sunday School. We take pride in helping to educate our youth to grow in the Christian faith. We not only enjoy their frequent participation in worship but also their unique proclamation of the Word of God. Our Sunday School not only brings the Word of God to our congregation but to our community. The adults in our congregation also enjoy providing opportunity for the youth to enjoy fellowship while engaging in fun activities.
In store for the future of Trinity Lutheran Church are handicap accessibility, a new kitchen and a renewed energy to reach out to others in our community. It has been agreed that these goals are the desire of the majority and with God's help they will become a reality. This is further testimony of God's love this congregation wishes to share. God has surely blessed us and we pray for Christ's continuing guidance for our mission as adopted by the congregation on January 24th, 1999.
"Trinity Lutheran Church, a congregation of believers in the Good News of Jesus Christ, is called and empowered by the Holy Spirit to grow in faith through sharing God's love with our neighbors near and far."
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