Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church History

Our History

In 1925, Pastor L. H. Pertner of Zion Lutheran Church in Ferndale conducted a study to determine if a Lutheran Church in the Clawson area could thrive. A year later, what would become Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized.

	Pastor Henry Hoesman was the first full-time pastor of Trinity, and served the congregation from 1926 until 1929.
During his pastorate, the church purchased a cement block building, which served as a house of worship until a new church was dedicated on September 29, 1929. The church stood at 14 Mile and Custer, and seated about 135 persons.

Around 1950, the population of Clawson and the surrounding areas began to experience rapid growth. The congregation, under the leadership of Pastor Waldo Egbert became aware of the need to expand.

Aerial photo, around 1955, shows foundation of the
present sanctuary being excavated at 14 Mile Road and Marias.
(It also shows very few trees in the surrounding neighborhood!)

The present church sanctuary was dedicated in 1956.

	In 1962, under the leadership of Pastor Edwin Wagstaff, an educational unit was added to the church.
The narthex was enlarged and offices for the pastor, secretary and Sunday School were also added. The unit was dedicated in April of 1962.

The Bell Tower was dedicated on October 9, 1966.

In 1979, the parsonage at 104 South Bywood was sold. In May of that same year, fire gutted the sanctuary, and worship services were temporarily moved to Kenwood School. The sanctuary was restored and remodeled. The congregation celebrated a joyous rededication service on June 15, 1980 with Bishop Holle as the guest speaker.

In November 1991, Trinity installed an elevator, which serves the needs of disabled or handicapped worshippers. This project was dedicated in January of 1992.

Now, as part of Trinity's 75th Anniversary Celebration, even more growth is in the works! Click here to see what the new Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church will look like!