a History of the Trinity
Evangelical Lutheran Church
The Ansgarius Evangelical Lutheran Church of Smethport
was organized October 1, 1891, by a group of Swedish Lutherans residing
in Smethport and vicinity. The church took its original name from
Saint Ansgarius, a Swedish Saint who brought the Gospel to
Scandinavia in the 9th century.
As early as 1884, services had been held in private homes and in the
Methodist Church but no definite organization had existed. Present
at the organizational meeting were the Rev. E. S. Ternberg, and the Rev.
M. A. Nordstrom. Deacons and trustees elected were Otto Anderson,
John Hector, Pete Johnson, C. W. Lilgendahl, Charles Johnson, John Ottoson,
and John Swanson.
The first regular congregation meeting was held January 2, 1892 at the
Ottoson home and on June 15 of that year a special meeting was called to
consider the purchase of a home of worship. The congregation purchased
the church used by the Episcopalians who were moving into the brand new
stone church on Main Street. The St. Lukeís Episcopal Fulton Street
Church was purchased in 1892 for $500 down and $100 yearly payments.
The first class of catechumens was confirmed in July 1892. Pastors
serving the church through the years included the Rev. H. E. Isaacson,
the Rev. A. G. Anderson, the Rev. F. E. Sard, the Rev. P. S. Miller, and
the Rev. P. E. Norgrove.
During these early years, a weekday school was conducted during the
summer with Charles Johnson, the first elected superintendent. After
the Rev. Nordgren left the church, the congregation was united with Bethany
Lutheran Church of Olean. During this time, the last of the church
debt was wiped off the books. The Rev. C. J. Beckman of Olean served
as vice pastor of the church until his untimely death in June 1907.
During the ensuing three years the pulpit was filled by several pastors
and students. The altar and the pulpit were purchased in 1911 win
the altar and hangings presented by the Young Ladies Society. During
the pastorate of C. Russell Lundgren, many new organizations were promoted
including the Lutheran Brotherhood, the Womenís Missionary Society and
the Lutheran League. In 1935 the Brotherhood received permission
to sponsor the building of a basement under the church. This improvement
was soon followed by a new heating system, furnishings for the dining room
and kitchen, the purchase of a Hammond organ and the installation of a
baptismal font. During this spring of 1953, the sanctuary was redecorated;
a new altar cross-installed and a new lighting system was approved and
installed.
Services were held in the mother tongue of Swedish until 1944.
This change was made by many immigrant churches to show solidarity for
the American cause in WW II. German-speaking Lutheran churches did
the same. In the late 1950s, the church name was changed to Trinity.
Trinityís sanctuary tells a theological story. It has a classic
structure including a narthex, knave, sanctuary, and a pew area with a
cathedral ceiling. The structure as a whole resembles an overture
boat, symbolizing the Church as refuge against the stormy sea of life.
The center isle and bisecting aisle symbolize the cross. The elevated
altar is set upon the fifth step upward, symbolizing the five wounds of
Christ. The three paneled wooden screen reredos symbolize the Holy
Trinity. An elevated pulpit is a classic German medieval design,
symbolizing the importance of the lifting up of Godís word.
As of 2003, the Church has been a yoked parish with Gethsemane Lutheran
in Port Allegheny. Trinity is in the Northwest Pennsylvania Synod
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. The churchís Bishop
is Ralph E. Jones, and head of the denomination, called the Presiding Bishop,
Mark Hanson. The main headquarters of the ELCA is located in Chicago.
Pastor Diana L. Britton is the churchís new Pastor beginning her call August
1 and was ordained August 11, 2002. Every congregation consists of
dedicated people. In Trinityís sacristy, where the vestment for the
altar and elements are kept for communion, you will find a picture of Emma
Miller. She is Trinityís own ìSaint Emma.î She was a pivotal
person in the churchís history, whose dedication influenced the church
for many years. |