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Trinity Lutheran Church

322 Main
McFarland, KS 66501
(785) 765-3755

Pastor: Ron Rather

S. H. Fairfield, founder of  McFarland, could be considered as one of Wabaunsee County’s patriarchs. He settled near the Wabaunsee town site in 1856 and was a charter member of the Beecher Bible and Rifle Church organized in  1857. He was a charter member of the First Congregational Church in Alma in 1875, and founded the town of Fairfield in 1880. After He filed a plat of the new town of McFarland in June of 1887, it is not surprising to learn that plans were made to build a new Congregational Church in the fledgling town in 1888. In April of 1889, the new church was dedicated and the first service held. Perhaps it was a lack of people or a shortage of Christians, whatever the reason, the new church did not flourish and the building was put up for sale in 1893.

A group of German Lutherans who had settled in the McFarland countryside, had been discussing the possibility of establishing a Lutheran Church closer to their homes. When they learned the Congregational Church in the town of McFarland was for sale, they viewed it as an opportunity to organize a new church. A formal meeting took place on April 16, 1893. Those in attendance were Henry Miller, William Miller, George Lesline, Ehrgott Gehrt, August Hansen Sr., Conrad Mathies, Henry Piel Sr., Henry Senne, Albert Gnadt, and Henry Heine. The decision was made to buy the church building in McFarland for $900 and the deed was conveyed in  May of 1893 from the Congregational Society to the Evangelical Lutheran (Unaltered Augsburg Confession) Trinity Society.

At first Trinity joined a Mutual Alliance of Congregations which included churches in Wamego, Wells Creek, Indian Creek and Paxico, which were served by Rev. M.G. Pollack. In July of 1896, the Alliance called Candidate John Mueller, who became Trinity’s first resident pastor, and immediate plans were made to build a new parsonage in McFarland. By July of 1901, Trinity was no longer part of the Alliance and voted to join the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. In October, Paxico members agreed to sign Trinity’s Constitution and join them for meetings and communion celebration.

During October of 1904, work began on a new school building across the street east of the church. It was in late 1912 or early 1913 when the ladies of the church organized a Ladies Aid Society at Trinity. In June of 1916, a major remodeling of the building took place. The old church was practically torn down and a new addition with a 65' bell tower was constructed. This was done to  accommodate the growth in membership. However the Paxico church did not experience the increase of members. In late 1920, the decision was made to discontinue services there because of low attendance. By April of 1923, the Paxico church and lots were sold and the proceeds were used to purchase a new altar and pulpit at Trinity.

When Trinity celebrated it’s 50^th anniversary in June of 1943, a new organ was also dedicated during the celebration day. The organ was approximately 10 years old at the time and was formerly used at a funeral home parlor in Milwaukee, Wis. This organ is still used in 1999.

In January of 1948, the TenEyck Hall located on Market Street was purchased for $250 and became the church parish hall. The Ladies Aid Society paid $100 of the cost. It was eventually sold in 1957 with the school building becoming the parish hall. The last year in which school was held at Trinity was the 1952-53 term. Beginning in the fall of 1953, Trinity students attended St. John School at Alma. In 1954, Trinity became a dual parish with Wamego until the summer of 1961.

During 1959, the parsonage at Trinity was sold and torn down. Pastor A.B. Senne had previously moved to Wamego. In October of 1968, an agreement was made to be a dual parish with St. John, Alma. This dual parish agreement continued until July of 1984, when Trinity called Paul Neuman to be their pastor. In 1986 the house next door to the parish hall and owned by Clara Winkler, was purchased and became the church parsonage and is still used in 1999.

In 1989, the familiar face of Trinity changed with a 12' addition to the front of the church building. This was only a preview of what was to come. During the fall of 1992 a huge addition began on the south side of the church. The addition included more room in the sanctuary, a large fellowship area, kitchen, classroom, pastor’s office, sacristy, and two restrooms. The addition also included a full basement which was divided into classrooms and utility rooms.  The addition was completed in time for the centennial celebration held on July 17-18, 1993. In February of 1994, the old school and parish hall building which had been sold to Cheryl Simmons, was moved south of Wamego along Highway 99 to be used as a residence.

Today, Trinity is served by Pastor Ron Rather and continues to be an important part of the McFarland community. As the church moves into the new millennium, it gives cause to reflect on the past. It shows that God has sustained this church for over a 100 years and gives hope that His grace will continue in the future.