Altenburg’s Trinity Lutheran Church

Boy, there are a lot of Lutheran churches around here. THIS Trinity Lutheran Church is located in Altenburg, right next to the Lutheran Heritage Museum and Cultural Center that I’m always talking about.

Crucifix came over with the Saxons

This Crucifix made in Oberammergau, Germany, came over with the Saxons in 1839. The Last Supper was installed in the altar in 1938.

Chalice dates to 14th or 15th Century

This chalice, used for Communion until it was retired in 1966, is estimated to date to the 14th or 15 Century.

Tin ceiling added in 1892

A friend of mine looked at the ceiling and couldn’t decide whether it was plaster or plastic. It turns out that it’s the original tin ceiling that was put in place in 1892 for $400. The church, which was dedicated in 1867, cost $18,000.

Organ cost $2,000 in 1912

The pipes are part of an array in an organ that cost $2,000 in 1912. It was refurbished in 2009 for about $140,000. Interestingly enough, the five outside pipes on each side of the 17 are dummies that are not connected to a wind source.

I know that because it was one of the pictures in my 2012 Glimpses of East Perry County calendar. Since the year is half over, I bet museum director Carla Jordan would make you a great deal on any she has left. Even if you don’t use the calendar, you can cut out the photos.

1838 Baptismal tray

This silver baptismal tray dated 1838 has been used in the baptism of every member of the church since its founding.

Photo Gallery of Trinity Lutheran Church

I could tell you more about the pictures, but if you enjoy old churches, you owe it to yourself to go up to the museum for a tour of the building. They are open daily 10-4. Here’s a link to their website. The staff members will make you feel right at home. Click on any photo to make it larger, then click on the left or right side of the photo to move through the gallery.

7 Replies to “Altenburg’s Trinity Lutheran Church”

  1. This history and preservation are amazing. My maternal ancestors came from Oberammergau, so this was of special interest to me. I shall order a calendar.I Must have missed the connection for when it first came out.

  2. My maternal ancestors, the Grossheiders, were part of the migration of 1839. The initial group of Germans came from the area around Hanover, Germany, left via Bremerhaven and landed in New Orleans. The Grossheiders ultimately settled near Dissen, which is known today as Friedheim and then spread southward into Cape Girardeau County as well.
    The Crucifix and the Chalice are wonderful artifacts that directly link many of us to our ancestors.

    Thanks for the post.

  3. Thanks, Ken. A great way to start my day in Montana! This brings me ever so close to my roots. Keith, my family (Grebing and Richter) came with that first group also. They stayed in the Perry County area and many are still there.

  4. Ken, these photographs are stunning. Thank you for this amazing post. I wish you could see the exhibit we have here now from the National Quilt Museum–it is all about COLOR! Hope to see you soon. Carla

    1. I’m headed your way at the end of the month. I have lots of stuff to show you. In fact, if you want to get a group together to help narrow down selections for the fall show and to get a sneak peek at my videos, that’d be great.

      I was feeling like I was falling behind the curve, but I’ve had a productive week and feel much better about where I am.

  5. Thanks for sharing the site Marilyn. The history is unbelievable and the church is absolutely beautiful!!
    Hopefully one day I will visit there!!!

  6. Wow! Just WOW! My paternal grandmother lived in Wittenburg (Mary Ann Tripp) and my paternal grandfather grew up in Grand Tower (William Thomas ‘Tom’ Yow), both in the general vicinity.

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