Centennial of Trinity Lutheran Church

Photo:

Top: The church as it was on King Hill in 1919. Center: The church on the move. Bottom: The church as it appears today.

SOUTH PARIS — One hundred years ago men and women traveled here from Finland to start a new life. They quickly settled into farming and raising their families. They also brought their faith in God, and before they were fully settled, with few resources but real commitment, they began a congregation.

The congregation, established in1912, met in homes until they were able to build a church on King Hill in 1919. Shortly thereafter, as the congregation became bilingual, services were held in both Finnish and English for several years. As the immigrant population dwindled, the Finnish services were dropped completely by 1965.

By 1950, the congregation had grown and the church was on the move, literally, as the building was moved to its current location on the Buckfield Road. Expansion of the building took place in 1995.

Several Centennial celebrations have been scheduled for this summer, including a baptism/communion reunion on June 24, a picnic on July 15, and an anniversary dinner, with special music service, on August 26. All of the Centennial celebrations will take place at 10 a.m. For more information, call 743-6906.