Messiah Helps Create Another Congregation In Walnut

HOLY TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN, WALNUT Dedicated Sept. 21, 1969

Sometimes years roll by before a dream can be realized. As early as December 9, 1940 Pastor Mueller wrote the District Mission Board: "I am mentally toying with the desire to do something in or about Walnut...but the Dixon proposition must be settled first. In 1947 he had received a letter from Executive Secretary of Missions Richard Jesse of the English District authorizing payment of a series of ads in the Bureau County Republican newspaper to test the possibility of starting a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod mission in that area. However, a study of the Lutheran Hour mail from that area convinced everyone that hopes for a healthy mission at that time were premature, so the plan was laid aside.

But the need for a Missouri Synod church in Walnut persisted. Some of Messiah's most faithful members were traveling 28 miles from Walnut and 38 miles from rural Princeton to worship in Sterling. Something simply had to be done.

Messiah Lutheran was already financially deeply committed to the Rock Falls project, so she solicited the help of the Northern Illinois District for the folk in and around Walnut. In response to the interest of the Congregation and the repeated solicitations made by Pastor Mueller with Mission Director Louis Schuth, Milwaukee Lay Worker Eldon Bahn was directed to canvass the area. He found much material to work with, so the Mission Board placed him in Walnut that same year to develop the Mission.

The initial worship service was conducted in the Legion Hall Jan. 9, 1966 by the Rev. Ervin Junkans of Our Savior Lutheran, Hopkins. From that time on the service responsibility was shared with Pastor Mueller, as well as Pastor Jahn, and Pastor Schlade. The following year the congregation was organized February 19 with the adoption of its constitution, the name Holy Trinity was taken April 2, and plans got under way to build a house of worship under District sponsorship. Repeated delays finally came to an end with a ground breaking service Nov. 10, 1968, followed by the dedication of the Church and Education Building Sept. 21, 1969. Messiah transferred 15 communicant members to Holy Trinity, the core of one of the most responsive and effective congregations in the District.

Messiah continues to invest interest, love, and money in Holy Trinity Lutheran. She engaged and shared the services of Layworker Tom Lindsdau with them for two years. She has offered financial assistance to the extent of $100.00 a month when she secures the services of a called Pastor. And $19,000.00 has been loaned the Congregation from our Building Fund at a modest 5% interest to make possible the purchase of a fine parsonage adjoining their church property.