Resume Of Centennial History
The spiritual needs of the pioneers of German descent who had settled in Lincoln, Douglas, Cameron and Leroy Townships from 1870 to 1879 were ministered to by Rev. F.J. Oehlert, of Walnut, Iowa. The widely scattered people of the Lutheran faith held worship services in their respective homes or the school at Audubon and also in a district school called "Johnson" school.
The Rev. W. Mallon of Magnolia, Iowa, helped organize the congregation on January 2, 1881 under the name of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church with eleven charter members, namely: George Bald, William Kroettinger, John Kienast, Juergen Schroeder, George Ullerich, Michael Boust, August Porsch, Franz Knopp, William Baiher, Gottfried Dreher and Wilhelm Krauel.
The settlers joyfully attended the services conducted by Rev. Mallon. This faithful shepherd made long trips by wagon through storms and sunshine to serve the congregation. Often only few attended, but these few expressed their thankfulness for they had been a long time without a pastor in whom they could confide and who could comfort them with God's Word in their troublesome times. Many obstacles presented themselves, but God protected this little flock, and when Rev. Mallon was transferred from Magnolia, another faithful leader, Rev. F. Ehlers, of Atlantic, Iowa, began serving Trinity as a branch church. On March 26, 1882, Rev. Ehlers confirmed eleven children who had been fully instructed by his assistant, Rev. F. Eggert. Soon thereafter Pastor Ehlers left, and on August 13, 1882, Rev. Julius Deckmann began his work at Trinity.
Pastor Deckmann wrote he had little hope for the congregation since they had become indifferent. But God's Word does not return void, and the congregation experienced a sudden increase in numbers and expressed a great zeal for God's Word. The school house soon became too small; members were longing for the service-dignity of a church building. Ground was granted to the congregation by Geo. Ullerich, Sr., and a church building was begun in God's name. Gifts toward the edifice were given in such generous amounts the pastor deemed them above the ability of the contributors. On July 6, 1884, the first church, erected during the spring on the south side of the road, a structure 50 x 30, was dedicated to the service of the Triune God. This building was used as a house of worship for fifteen years.
In 1885 the congregation resolved to join Synod. It was also in the same year the congregation decided to build a parsonage, 16 x 16 x 12. Wood for the building was purchased from the Green Bay Lumber Company of Gray, Iowa. The carpenter received $1.50 a day.