Memories

The memories of Trinity Lutheran Church are bound by the Word of God, family, and friends. It’s where I was baptized, went to Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, learned Luther’s Small Catechism (under the excellent tutelage of Pastor Kaning), and was confirmed. Grandmother’s farm was but a short distance to the East. If Papa stayed at church for some reason, we could walk down to her house for Sunday dinner or catch a ride with one of our Uncle’s if they had attended.
Who can forget those wonderful church bells ringing on a clear, frosty morning? The sound would float for miles. As a child I marveled at the stained glass windows and the beautiful altar with the soaring spires. The balcony held special mysteries, reserved for the younger people who had been confirmed and released from their parental control.
I could not have been more than three when I remember sitting besides my mother, my younger brother was kept firmly between her and father. I would try to read the hymnal and the liturgy. I was so proud when I recognized the word Amen and excitedly pointed it out. This induced a, “shhh,” and a nudge from Mother.
The Childhood’s Golden Dawn, a Christmas gift from my Sunday School teacher given in 1944, Luther’s Small Catechism (well-worn), and The March of Faith (a little tattered, but serviceable), given to me by Pastor Kaning during our catechism lessons are still in my library.
We usually attended at least twice a month and once a month father would enter the sacristy to sign for him and mother to take communion. By the late nineteen-forties Mother would express her discontent that women couldn't sign for themselves.
Pastor Kaning’s sermons were tremendous. The man could make you see the dust rise off the roads of the desert landscape; hear the crowds as they shouted on Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem on a donkey. To underline a point he would burst into reciting a hymn in German (I couldn't understand many words, but loved the sound of it), or pound the lectern to make a point.
Christmas Eve always meant the Children’s Program. Oh, how I loved it. The church would blaze with light and our congregation would sing the Christmas carols with joy and volume unmatched anywhere. My father and his friend, Cy or Sy (I’m unsure of the nickname spelling), had powerful tenor voices and they blended well. They were boyhood friends and often managed to seat our families near each other.
I remember how grateful my Great-uncle Albert was that Pastor Kaning would preach a special German sermon for the older members. There were undoubtedly many more that appreciated the extra work and concern he showed.
The best years were the catechism classes. Pastor Kaning not only covered everything in Luther’s Small Catechism, but he taught the church history and the history surrounding it. His descriptions of Luther’s time still ring in my ears. Because of the interest he aroused, I've suffered a live-long love of history and still buy history books to fill my shelves. I can’t say that Pastor taught me about Christ as my parents did that all of their lives. He gave the background to understand the trials of the apostles and later the people of the Reformation, and he always, always underlined the fact that the words of others or the “wisdom” of the wise be tested against God’s Word.
The basement was a wonderful addition and I remember the meals that would be served there. The women of the congregation would watch to see if their dish was chosen. Often they would flush with pleasure when it was or glare at the member who dared pass it by. It didn't really matter for farming families ate heartily.
Trinity Lutheran Church’s congregation dwindled in numbers and the church was to be closed. A dedicated group started to raise funds to move it to Manning, Iowa to be placed alongside a Hausbarn from Germany and a German restaurant. Somehow the funds were raised. You can go to David Kusel’s website and find a video of the church and the move. I thank God that the church did not fall to the wrecking ball, but will continue to be viewed as part of their historic park and used for special occasions and weddings.