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Our
history reaches back to 1754 at the First church of Bindnagles. Both
Lutheran and Reformed congregations used it. In 1802 the present
Bindnagles Church building was built. In 1845, The Union Church, or
Palm Lutheran and Reformed Church was erected on the 700 block of
West Main Street. Between 1901 and 1902, plans were made to move the
Reformed congregation of about 80 to a building of its own. Land on
the corner of East Main and North Chestnut Streets was donated by
Elder Jacob A. Loose. The Reformed congregation sold its interest in
the Union Church to the Lutherans for $200.00.
On
July 13, 1902 the cornerstone was laid. In the spring of 1903,
members met after services to decide on a name for the new church.
Since it was Trinity Sunday, they named the church Trinity Reformed
Church. The new building was dedicated on September 20, 1903. The
cost of the new building was about $15,000.00. In 1904 the first
pipe organ in Palmyra was installed in Trinity Church. Andrew
Carnegie donated half of the cost. The first organist was Miss Ruth
Leslie. She held the position for approximately 40 years.
In
1920, Rev. Elmer G. Leinbach came to Trinity. He served from 1920 to
1949, the second longest pastorate at Trinity. Trinity’s membership
was 303.
Over the years mergers with other denominations have changed the
original Trinity Reformed Church to Trinity Evangelical and Reformed
Church in 1934, to the present Trinity United Church of Christ in
1957. But the same spirit by which this church was born still
remains. The responsibility for the mission and ministry of Trinity
lies with the people who make it up. On June 17, Trinity Sunday of
1962, groundbreaking ceremonies were celebrated for our current
church site. Mr. And Mrs. Norman J. Rothermel donated the land in
January of 1961. The services of Dedication were from November 24,
1963 to December 8. The approximate cost of the new church was
$590,000.00.
For
more than 160 years, faithful members have sought to carry out the
work of Jesus Christ in this local community and throughout the
world. It is our prayer that we will continue to be a faithful
presence. As important as our history is to us, and as proud as we
are of it, the church is really the worship in which we join and the
fellowship we share as members of this household of faith.
Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:15 AM
~ Sunday School: 9:00 AM
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