Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church
Although the Evangelical Congregational Church began its official existence in 1922, we must go back through the United Evangelical Church formed in 1895 and beyond that to the Evangelical Association founded by followers of Jacob Albright in 1816. It was through the Evangelical Association that the present day Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church of Lititz was founded.
In July, 1871, Rev. A. Shultz, preacher in charge of the Brownstown Circuit of the Evangelical Association, came to Lititz. With the assistance of George Shaffner and John Young and their families, who held prayer meetings in the Shaffner home on Pine Lane in Lititz.
Observing the need for larger facilities, they rented a building known as the “Round House” in the town of Warwick. This octagon shaped building had previously housed a merry-go-round but closed because it was deemed a worldly venture. Protected meetings were held and more than fifty souls were converted. Here, the Church was born and the “Round House” was held sacred in the memory of many, who by faith, were translated from darkness to light. Church records point out that “many blessings were received from God and many shouts of joy were sent to the Lord by His People.”
A movement was made to build a Sanctuary in Lititz. Previously the boundaries of the town of Lititz were closed to organizations other than Moravian. In May of 1874, Julius Sturgis, a member of the Moravian Congregation and founder of the first commercial pretzel bakery in America, donated a lot on East Orange Street, and the work of the Church took on new life. A building committee was formed and plans were drawn for a two-story brick building with a spire of 103 feet. It became known as the Jerusalem Church of the Evangelical Association.
During the perplexing transitional period of 1895, the Church became part of a new Denomination and was renamed Trinity United Evangelical Church. In 1922, the East Penn Conference, of which Trinity was part, did not vote on a merger which divided the Church; therefore a new Church was born and the name selected was Evangelical Congregational, adhering to the fundamental faith of Protestantism.
In the early thirties, the Sunday School had a average attendance of 362 and it became necessary to plan for larger facilities. In 1935 the corner stone was laid for the present structure, the architecture of which lends itself to a deep worship atmosphere. In May of 1936, “New Trinity” was dedicated to the glory of God.
In 1969, the Congregation authorized the construction of a new Christian Education Building and refurbishing of the Sanctuary and Chapel. Dedication was held Sunday, October 7, 1970, with Bishop Paul K. Cressman presiding.
During the year 1971, Trinity celebrated its 100th Anniversary, “A Century of Witnessing for Christ.” It continues to serve the community, endeavoring to win persons to Christ and to build believers in the faith.
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