Trinity and Zion as a Joint Parish

1960-1961
Zion and Trinity churches met and agreed to continue as a joint parish with one pastor. The Ladies Aid became the ALCW, (American Lutheran Church Women), following the merger with the American Lutheran Church.

Richard Phil Heins replaced Pastor R. O. Overgaard in July. A highlight of Pastor Heins’ ministry was the celebration of Trinity’s 75th anniversary in October, 1960.

Trinity adopted a new constitution and Zion became a part of the American Lutheran Church.

1963-1966
Pastor Richard Heins resigned in December, 1963 and retired Pastor T. S. Hansen served the congregations from February to June. In June of 1964, Pastor Roger Schwarze was installed and it became necessary for him to have a part-time secretarial assistant. The last mortgage payment of $1700 was paid on the Trinity Church to the Bank of Sturgeon Bay, and on June 5, 1966, Trinity had a “Burning of the Mortgage.”

1967-1968
In October 1967 Pastor Schwarze resigned. Dr. K. S. Mickelsen, (retired) served the churches from November to March of 1968 when Dr. Fred O. Kile Jr. was installed as pastor.

1969
A new parsonage was built on the Trinity Church property next to the cemetery. Dr. Kile and his family were the first to live in the new Ellison Bay parsonage.

1970-1974
The Trinity ALCW compiled and published a cookbook with a blue cover. (In 1975 the cookbook was revised and had a brown cover.) The monthly newsletter to Zion and Trinity members was renamed Ichthus, (pronounced ick-thus), the Greek word for fish, reminding us of our responsibility as members of Christ’s church to be “fishers of men.” In July of 1973, Rev. David E. Hughes became Pastor of Zion and Trinity churches. He used a three-wheel power cycle to travel around Ellison Bay and Sister Bay, not only to visit his parishioners, but to save on gas as well.

Joint Council meetings (Zion and Trinity) were held beginning in October of 1973. Council members from each church agreed to meet jointly every three months in addition to their separate monthly meetings. Saving heating fuel was an important issue for both churches. It was decided that both confirmation classes would meet at Trinity, and the Zion Church Council would meet at the Council members’ homes. Also at this time, a Children’s Chapel was created at Zion.

A Prayer Chain was organized in April of 1974, and a lay assistant, Mel Lawrenz was hired for the summer. Vacation Bible School was held for two weeks at the Ellison Bay School for Zion and Trinity children age three years through sixth grade.

In October of 1974, Zion and Trinity congregations announced that all family members would be allowed to come to the communion rail. Children not instructed in communion would be given a blessing, while other family members received the Elements.

Also in 1974, other groups from the two churches began having combined meetings. The Zion and Trinity men’s group met together, and the two women’s groups combined their seminars. A Youth Choir was organized at Trinity. The joint Church Councils were concerned about he economic situation at both churches and decided that staff salaries could not be increased. At the time, Pastor Hughes’ salary was $7000.

1975
Zion Council members approved the circulation of a worship and visitor register among parishioners attending worship services. The register would be used to keep track of the regularity of family worship and to send follow-up letters to church visitors. Zion and Trinity also passed a motion that no one could plan a baptism or a wedding without first meeting with the Pastor. Six hours of instruction were required for a non-ALC person to become a member of Zion or Trinity Church.

In 1975, both churches instituted “Covenent” programs to involve whole families in the work of the church. An increase in attendance was reported at both Zion and Trinity Churches.

1976
New carpeting was installed at Trinity and new altar paraments were given in memory of church members. Four hundred ninety-four people attend the Billy Graham Film Crusade. In March, Pastor Hughes left Trinity and Zion, and Pastor S. M. Becker served as interim pastor. Pastor Paul Sorensen was installed in May, just in time to celebrate Trinity’s 90th anniversary on June 6.

Pastor Sorensen took part in a special celebration held at Gills Rock for America’s 200th Birthday. In August, representatives from Zion and Trinity churches formed a joint ministry at the Door County Fair, handing out free copies of Good News for Modern Man.

1977
In February, a generous, anonymous organ fund donor wrote, “When you have a dream you should put a beam under it. This is our beam, which will be added to as the Lord prospers us. Hopefully one day we will have a small pipe organ in our church….”

The first meeting of the Trinity Luther League was held, followed by plans at Zion to do the same. Zion and Trinity voted to allow 5th and 6th graders to commune following a course of instruction and with parent permission.

Zion reinstated serving coffee and treats following worship services.

1978
Pastor Paul Sorensen resigned effective January 1. Pastor Philip E. Nieft filled in as Interim Pastor until July 1 when Richard Mickelson was installed as Pastor of Trinity and Zion Churches.

In May, the ladies of Zion and Trinity presented “A Festival of Wedding Gowns” program. All ladies of the church were asked to either wear their own wedding gowns or to give permission for someone else to wear it if the gown no longer fit.

Thursday night Church League Softball began at the Lewis Hanson Memorial Field. The Ichthus reported the schedule and scores of the games. The Ichthus also announced that a non-profit organization named “SCAND” had approved construction of a nursing home in this area. This was welcome news as the only nursing home north of Sturgeon Bay, The Country House, had just closed.

Zion celebrated its 100th anniversary on July 13, 1978. This was also the year when the new green Lutheran Book of Worship was published. The Trinity and Zion Church Councils purchased a few copies to review and decide if the hymn books should be introduced to the congregations.

1979
Pastor Mickelson brought a new name and format to the parish newsletter. The Parish Door replaced the Ichthus. Historically, significant news for parishioners was posted on the church door. Thus, the newsletter’s new name was fitting for a publication informing members of Zion and Trinity of monthly news and events.

Confirmation classes, which had included students in grades seven through nine, now included only seventh and eighth grade students.

Zion and Trinity congregations were accepting the new green Lutheran Book of Worship and learning the new liturgy. Pastor Mickelson encouraged families to take copies of the old red Service Book and Hymnal for their home libraries.

Trinity established a fund to purchase new pews.

Long-time Music Director Virginia Olsen announced her retirement. On two special evenings, Dr. Olaf Christiansen, “leader and shaper of church music,” directed music and worship with the combined choirs of Trinity and Zion churches.

Zion and Trinity families enjoyed a September weekend at the Wagon Trail Campground with campfire singing, cooking, games and worship. This event was in place of the traditional fall church picnic. This was also a time when youth ministry was growing in northern Door County.

A blood pressure, pneumonia and flu vaccination clinic took place in October. Zion’s steeple and building were repainted and the shingles were replaced.

1980
Bob Appel served as Choir Director until May. Later in the summer, Dr. William Hoehn took over as Choir Director at Trinity.

The men of Zion and Trinity met every Wednesday at 6:40 a.m. during Lent for a light breakfast.

The Vang family came to Sister Bay from Southeast Asia, and church members contributed many household goods to help them get established.

Trinity became a designated fall-out shelter.

Pastor Mickelson announced that the summer worship schedule would include a Thursday night campfire at the Wagon Trail Campground at 9:30 p.m.

Zion made many improvements to their building. These included buying a new organ, constructing a new front entrance, and renovating the fellowship hall, balcony, steeple and bathrooms.

1981
Trinity dedicated their new organ and new pews on May 17. Professor William Roth of Carthage College gave an afternoon organ concert. Zion dedicated their new organ in October with a concert by Douglas Wage, a Luther College student.

Zion Lutherian Church Christmas Eve, mid 1980s.

1982
A summer combined parish choir began rehearsals on Thursday nights led by Dr. William Hoehn.

Following much discussion, a summer day care center at Trinity was approved.

Dorothy Svien was appointed Minister of Music at Zion and Trinity with expanded duties in the music and worship areas. A mid-week choir school for K-8 children was established for the Alleluia Choir. The children not only had choir practice, but also participated in doing art projects.

There was a request for wood from the church members to heat the parsonage, thus saving fuel oil for one more year.

Pastor Mickelson reported on the historic Eleventh General Convention of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) in San Diego (Sept. 6-11) where the ALC voted with the American Evangelical Lutheran Church (AELC) to form a “new Lutheran Church.” This convention also permitted limited sharing of the Eucharist with the Episcopal Church. At the same time, the ALC delegates heard the president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod warn that unity with the synod was “still a long way off.”

Pastor Mickelson resigned and accepted a call from Salem Lutheran Church, Jackson, MN on December 1, 1982.

1983
Trinity ladies began working on a new cookbook to celebrate their upcoming Centennial in 1985.

The Zion and Trinity Joint Council formed a Call Committee. Pastor Nieft filled in when Pastor Mickelson left. Bonnie Hanson became the permanent Parish Secretary when Leona Telfer resigned after serving nine years as secretary.

Jeff Williams accepted a call to serve as Pastor of Trinity and Zion Lutheran Churches.

Choir membership was growing, and the junior choir was commended for their performance of the musical “Storytellin’ Man.” The senior choir alternated singing between Zion and Trinity, and on festival days they sang at both churches.

In commemoration of Luther’s 500th Birthday, a program of Martin Luther-related subjects titled “The Luther 500,” was held for five Sundays at Trinity.

1984
The Trinity Centennial Cookbook was published in time for their 1985 Centennial celebration.

A new high school choir called the Chapel Singers was organized. The senior choir purchased new robes with gifts and memorials from members of both churches. 1985

Zion ladies served several Trinity Centennial Service Dinners throughout the year.

In January, the Zion Council recommended that a committee be appointed to study the possible merger of Zion and Trinity and report their findings at the 1986 Annual Meeting.

Both Trinity and Zion began accepting associate memberships for part-time residents. The two Sunday Schools were combined with pre-school through sixth grade children meeting at Trinity and grade seven through high school students meeting at Zion.

To celebrate Trinity’s Centennial, Myron Beard donated his time, materials and talents to build a replica of the old church which was then placed on a float for the 4th of July Parade. Parishioners wore vintage clothing to celebrate at an old-fashioned picnic July 14th at the Ellison Bay Club House. The afternoon program featured “Ole and Helga” (Gen Follingstad and Claire Baack-a rare Scandinavian treat.) A catered dinner, in honor of the Trinity Centennial, was held at the new Liberty Grove Town Hall in November.

Trinity in 1985

1986
The Merger Committee, assisted by Pastor Charles Peterson as an advisor, met at the Liberty Grove Town Hall on January 11. They invited members of Trinity, Zion and Bethany Lutheran Church of Ephraim to discuss goal setting. A Merger Steering Committee was formed consisting of three members from each church.

In late 1986, a letter went out to members of Zion, Trinity and Bethany to attend an “all-parish future needs meeting.” At the November Trinity Council meeting it was suggested that, with the exception of Council treasurers, the Council members resign and the congregations select six or seven people to facilitate “a wise course for the merger.”

1987
Zion and Trinity Councils met separately to unanimously authorize the formation of a Joint Parish Council. The first Joint Parish Council meeting was held in February; Greg Casperson was elected president, and Rudie Baack was elected secretary. Also at this time, a joint parish ALCW was formed for Bible study and general meetings.

In May-acting as a Parish-Bethany, Zion, and Trinity, together with Trinity of Washington Island and Immanuel of Escanaba, agreed to sponsor a Third World pastor. Pastor Kedadak Rimandai of New Guinea was welcomed with a get-acquainted pot luck dinner.

The Constituting Convention for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was held in June. Pastor Williams, Parish President Casperson and Willard Erickson attended.

A photo directory of all parish members was completed.

At the November meeting of the Parish Council, the Facility Research Committee suggested that members should make plans for worshipping together and “eventually working out of one building.” On December 13, 1987, the Joint Parish Merger Ratification Meeting was held with 15 Bethany members, 66 Trinity members, and 51 Zion members present. Bethany failed to ratify the merger and withdrew from further discussion. Trinity and Zion voted for merger and decided the name of the merged church would be Trinity in the interim.

1988
Northern Door Lutheran Churches involved in the ELCA merger met at the Sturgeon Bay High School on Sunday January 3 for a service of celebration.

At the Trinity Lutheran Church Annual Meeting on January 24, it was decided that the present Council would remain for six months, that a new constitution and by-laws would be based on ELCA models, that a Nominations Committee would be established, and that a name search for the merged church would be conducted.

Pastor Williams submitted a letter of resignation effective August 1, 1988.

Pastors that served both Trinity and Zion Lutheran Churches

1957-1960		R. O. Overgaard
1960-1963		Richard Heins
1963-1964		T. S. Hansen (Interim Pastor)
1964-1968		Roger W. Schwarze
1968-1973		Fred Kile Jr.
1973-1976		David Hughes
1976-1978		Paul Ralph Sorensen
1978-1983		Richard Mickelson
1983-1988		Jeff Williams
1988-		Bruce Foster

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