Formation

• Occasional worship services were conducted and led by supply pastors. A vacant Methodist Church on Moose Meadow Road, Willington, CT was used. The building later became the home of Donald and Darlene Hipsky.

Pastor George Pankuch arrived in November

• He saw that it would be beneficial for the congregation to have a more central place of meeting. A location in Stafford Springs would enable the congregation to grow and prosper. Therefore, the present structure was purchased from a German social club in 1922 and remodeled as a church that same year. The cornerstone was laid and the service of dedication was held on August 6, 1922. Pastor Pankuch continued to serve the congregation until June 1926.

Parsonage purchased and Sunday School starts

• Pastor John Bellan then served the congregation starting in May and continued until until December 1937. A parsonage was purchased on Olympic Avenue, a Sunday school was begun, and a Young People’s Club organized. It was also during this time that the English language was first used in services.

Regular English Services Begin; Choir is organized

• During the relatively short ministry of Pastor John Nosco, who served from February 1951, until June 1953, a choir was organized. Most significantly, weekly English services were begun. Pastor Albert Ursin of Torrington, Connecticut, served as administrator until the arrival of the next pastor.

Pastor Kenneth Michnay arrives in June

• The model constitution for congregations of the Lutheran Church in America was adopted and the official name changed to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Toward the end of Pastor Drzik’s ministry here, a building fund had been established for an educational unit. A committee was appointed to consider how to proceed with the expansion of our facilities. The committee suggested an addition to the old structure, providing a parish hall, and renovation of the former basement, providing classrooms and a kitchen. The Narthex was also expanded.

Pastor Goldstein serves Holy Trinity

• Pastor Goldstein accepted the call from Holy Trinity and served Holy Trinity until 1980. Pastor Goldstein kept the Slovak tradition going by learning the Slovak liturgy. This was greatly appreciated by many of the older members.

Pastor German serves Holy Trinity

• Pastor German and his family settled into Stafford Springs and Holy Trinity quickly and enjoyed working with the Harvest Sales, anniversaries and other special services. Pastor German kept a close relationship with Slovakia and preached a sermon in his family’s parish in Veranow, Slovakia. Needless to say, many members were pleased to have a Slovak speaking pastor even though English was used in the liturgy. Pastor German resigned in 1994 due to health problems. (In 1998 with significantly improved health he was able to serve as pastor of St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Danbury, CT.)

Pastor David Dalzell accepts the call

• With Pastor Dave’s hard work we continued to grow our congregation and enjoy spiritual guidance and meaning full worship. On Sept 15, 2008 Pastor Dave concluded his ministry here and accepted a call to be pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Laconia, NH.

The years have certainly been marked by change…

• We began with a group of people who worked and sacrificed to have a place where they could hear and rejoice in the Gospel in their mother tongue. Their example of faithfulness is one which we pray to follow. The call of the Gospel lead them to open their embrace to more and more people, not only those of the Slovak heritage, but to all people whom God in Christ has called to himself. To be true heirs to their faithfulness we must also give our devotion to the true treasure of the Church, the Cheerful News of God’s work in Christ to embrace all people with his love.