The History of Trinity Lutheran Church & School
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was officially organized on October 27th, 1907, at a meeting at Zion Lutheran Church on Wausau’s east side. An architect was hired shortly thereafter and groundbreaking ceremonies were held in April, 1908. Construction continued, with the help of many members, and the church building was dedicated November 1, 1908. Our first pastor, Rev. Destinon and our first teacher Mr. Edward Ritzmann were installed on that day, and school began in the church basement the very next day. Eighty-five students were enrolled.
Rev. E.H. Bertermann was called to serve Trinity on September 14, 1919.
He would go on to serve as Trinity’s only pastor for 43 years and an additional 12 years as emeritus. During this period of time Trinity showed unprecedented growth to become one of the largest congregations in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
In January, 1925, the congregation approved the building of a new school and the new building was dedicated on January 31, 1926.
As early as 1943, plans were underway for a mission congregation on the north side of Wausau. Groundbreaking for St. Mark’s Chapel took place in May of 1949. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church was officially organized in August of 1950, and the land and chapel were deeded over to the new congregation.
Due to the steady growth in worship, discussions about enlarging the church building began in 1952. Construction was approved in 1956 and on April 20, 1958 the new addition was dedicated.
In 1980 a recommendation was presented to the congregation to build a new parish center and school. Following a long bidding process, the final plans were presented to the congregation on March 28, 1983 and approved. Following the completion of the building, it was dedicated on January 29, 1984.
Space again became an issue for our growing church and school. In April of 1997 construction began on a $1.5 million addition that would add a new gymnasium, computer lab, six additional classrooms, youth room, extended childcare facility, and a Spiritual Life Center that would house our contemporary worship services. The new addition was dedicated on October 12, 1997.
In 2006, Trinity began offering daily childcare for children ages 2 to 5. Trinity Childcare opened with 6 children and 2 teachers and a second room was opened in 2007 for children 6 weeks to two years old. By 2008, Trinity was offering childcare for over 100 children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Today we have 6 classrooms and serve children from 6 weeks through their elementary years in our childcare and afterschool childcare programs.
Today, Trinity Lutheran School is growing. The school participates in the Wisconsin Parental School Choice Program, which allows us to provide outreach to families in the Wausau area. We are rooted in Christ, providing a changeless Christ in an ever-changing world.
Trinity Lutheran Church & School Governance
Board of Elders
The Board of Elders at Trinity Lutheran Church and School is also known as the Board of Lay Ministry. The Elders, defined by our Constitution and Bylaws, are male members noted for their Christian knowledge, zeal and experience in the spiritual work of the Kingdom of Christ, who are elected by the congregation.
The basic objectives of this ministry are the spiritual welfare of the pastors and congregation members and the supervision of everything pertaining to congregational worship. The Lay Ministry participates in the personnel selection and ongoing supervision of called staff who do not report to the Day School Board.
Parish Council
The Parish Council at Trinity Lutheran Church and School is made up of members who are elected officers, staff leaders, and leaders of the ministries of the church. The meetings are overseen by the elected Chairman of the congregation.
The Parish Council is not only a decision-making body, but also serves as a forum where the activities of the administrative ministries may be discussed, evaluated, and coordinated, and where all such activities may be integrated into an overall congregational program.
CONTACT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONGREGATION
School Board
The school Board at Trinity Lutheran Church and School is made up of members known to be spiritually mature Christians, full of the Spirit and wisdom, forgiving as Christ forgave them, demonstrating brotherly love, letting the peace of Christ rule in their hearts, letting the word of Christ dwell in them richly, and demonstrating spiritual leadership by their own examples.
The School Board works to set and maintain policies that are clear and realistic providing guidance to the School Board as well as the Principal and Director of Childcare.