Our Doctrine
WE CONFESS THAT
- The Scriptures are the inspired, inerrant word of God and the source of truth (2 Pet. 1:20-21)
- God is Triune: three persons and one divine essence (Matt. 28:19)
- Everyone is corrupted by sin and in need of salvation (Rom. 3:19)
- Salvation is offered freely through the redemption in Christ Jesus (Rom. 3:24)
- Salvation is received through faith created by the word of God (Rom. 10:17)
- Salvation is lived in the Church (Acts 2:41-42)
For more on our teachings, see https://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs
Our History
Trinity Lutheran Church was organized September 30, 1881 with thirteen voting members under the leadership of Rev. Henry Henkel. The present site of two lots on N. Mulberry Street was purchased for $500. A parsonage was built on one lot. The Church cornerstone was laid on the remaining lot on July 30, 1882. The Church was dedicated to the glory of God in November 1882.
In 1921 the original red brick edifice was remodeled and enlarged. Wing structures were added to give a cruciform appearance and a stone exterior was constructed. Art glass windows were installed and the chancel was enhanced with a painting, “The Crucifixion” by William Matheny of Sugar Grove, Ohio.
Music has always been an important part of the services at Trinity. The first pipe organ was purchased in 1911. In 1969 the present organ was installed as a memorial to Caroline Lutz who was organist and choir director for forty years.
A brick parsonage was erected in 1957. In 1981 the century old Church was renovated and enlarged with more Sunday School rooms, a modern kitchen, and floor coverings. In 1994, a handicap lift and air conditioning were added. Recent additions are a parking lot, and an addition to the building for the new handicapped rest rooms, in 2013.
Nineteen pastors have served Trinity Lutheran Church including our recently retired pastor, Reverend Danny Koch who served from January 1990 until August 2023. Reverend Richard Sovitzky IV has served as our Pastor since June, 2024.
Our Pastor
Pastor Sovitzky is from Milwaukee, WI. During High School, his family served as missionaries in the Czech Republic and Taiwan. Pastor Sovitzky went to college in Prague, Czech Republic, and graduated in 2020 from Anglo-American University with a B.A. in Humanities. He attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN and graduated in 2024. Pastor Sovitzky lives in the Sugar Grove Parsonage with his family. The Sovitzkys enjoy homesteading and camping.
Pastor Sovitzky has open office hours at the church on Wednesdays from 2:00-4:00 and is also available by appointment.
Pastor Sovitzky is available for private Confession and Absolution at the church on Wednesdays
Pastor Sovitzky can be reached at 740-281-7593
Our Service
All our services and hymns come from the Lutheran Service Book. While old, the service and hymns are applicable and contemporary. Through the liturgy and hymnody handed down to us, we rejoice to sing God’s praise and offer Him heartfelt worship whenever we gather.
Holy Communion
According to God’s Word, the entire congregation declares a mighty sermon when it receives the Lord’s Supper. It declares the central truth of our faith, that Christ gave His body and blood for our forgiveness. As doctrinal unity is central to this common proclamation, the churches of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod have promised to practice closed communion. Guests who desire to commune are, therefore, kindly asked to speak with the pastor before the service. Thank you for respecting our position of love in this matter of pastoral care.