Trinity Lutheran Church, New Hampton, will celebrate its 50th anniversary of ministry to the New Hampton area Sunday, Aug. 10, with a special worship service, church dinner and afternoon program.
    St. Paul Lutheran Church and St. Olaf Lutheran Church, both of New Hampton, merged together on Aug. 10, 1958, with a new name, Trinity Lutheran Church. On that day, a processional march was held from the St. Olaf church to the St. Paul church building where morning services were held for the new Trinity Lutheran congregation.
    But Trinity Lutheran Church is actually comprised of members from five former area Lutheran parishes.  In addition to the German St. Paul congregation and the Norwegian St. Olaf congregation, Trinity has its roots in the Immanuel Lutheran Church formerly of Ionia, St. John Lutheran Church, Lawler, as well as St. John Lutheran Church, Boyd.
    Throughout this year, members of Trinity have been celebrating each of the former congregations which comprise its current membership.  Historical displays, temple talk moments and cemetery walks have shared the highlights of former congregations.
    This Sunday, the day will begin with a festival worship service at 10:30 a.m.  The guest preacher for the day will be the Rev. Carol Christianson, Oshkosh, Wis.  The Rev. Christianson served the congregation in the late 1990s.  Following the service, a Swiss steak dinner will be served. At 1 p.m. an informal program will be held with  greetings from former clergy associated with the congregation:  The Rev. Paul Lindstrom, the Rev. Eldon Person, the Rev. Bruce Hobert, the Rev. David Bergstrom and the Rev. Carol Christianson.  The Rev. Dennis Johnson and Ron Hildahl, sons of the congregation who have served as ordained ministers will also share greetings.
    During the day, many historical items including the contents of the church cornerstone will be available for viewing.  Following the anniversary, items will be added to the cornerstone and it will again be set.  In addition, cookbooks and anniversary shirts may be purchased.
    The Rev. Joel Dahlen and the Rev. Kevin Frey, current pastors of Trinity, invite all to the special day.  For more information, call the church office 641-394-2552.