History of Trinity

In 1835, the German population of Tamaqua built a Church on Dutch Hill, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran, Zion’s Lutheran, St. John’s reformed and Trinity Reformed Churches.

Twelve men and their families left the church after the sermon of the then current pastor of St. John’s sharply criticized the well attended prayer meetings established by the former Pastor, Rev. Levi K. Derr, and after some very spirited language was exchanged.  These men, in devotion to what they held precious to their spiritual life, united to establish this congregation.  The men were Peter Hartman, Mathias Haldeman, August Wetterau, L. F. Fritsch, Jacob Eisenacher, George Eckhardt, Daniel Shepp, Edward Keston, Jacob Wettereau, George Bauer, Henry Fetzer, and Jacob Schmauch.  The constitution of the new church was adopted August 29, 1867.

Land for the church was donated by Daniel Shepp and it was built on the site of our parking lot on the corner of Lafayette and Washington Streets in 1867.

1892      Building raised one story.  Set of Bell Chimes purchased.

1910      Building enlarged and faced with brick, new windows and carpeting.

1919      Purchased and Austin Organ.

1927      Installed new front doors.

1928      Chapel was built.

1961      Present church was dedicated, cost approximately $350,000.

1961      Bell Chimes installed in skeleton tower.  Austin organ rebuilt.

1963      Five new bells added to chime.  Two old bells were retired.

1967      Endowment fund established.  Celebrated our 100^th Anniversary.

1970      Church completely paid off.

1973      Parsonage constructed.

1975      Parsonage completely paid off.

1983      Parking lot was constructed to rear and east of Church.

1986      Parking lot completely paid off.  Church office renovated.

1991      Pastor’s office enlarged and remodeled.

1992      Celebrated our 125^th Anniversary. 

Started the Friends in Need Food pantry.

1993        Purchased new computer for church office.

1994        Brotherhood celebrated 50^th Anniversary.

1995        Carpeted the church.

The following pastors have served Trinity well:

                Rev. Mr. Levi K. Derr                                                                     1867-1868

                Rev. Mr. I. E. Graeff                                                                        1868-1873

                Rev. Mr. John Hartman                                                                1873-1879

                Rev. Dr. John J. Fisher                                                                  1880-1913

                Rev. Mr. Edwin M. Sando                                                             1913 (2 mos.)

                Rev. Dr. Arthur C. Thompson                                                    1913-1945

Rev. Mr. John A. Kleinginna                                                      1945-1958

Rev. Mr. Joseph H. Miller                                                           1958-1979

Rev. Mr. Walter S. Hengen, Jr.                                                  1979-1980 (Interim)

Rev. Dr. Eugene Wratchford                                                      1980-1986

Rev. Dr. Gilbert Bartholomew                                                   1986-1987 (Interim)

Rev. Mr. Jeffrey D. Mettler                                                         1987-1990

Rev. Mr. Wilbur C. Albright                                                        1990-1994 (Interim)

Rev. Dr. David W. Grant                                                               1994-2011

                Rev. Thomas Reinsel                                                                     2011-present (Interim)