Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church's
Centennial Celebration

Sharon Freeze, chair

Reenactment Service Sunday, June 19, 2011, 10:00 a.m. HTELC sanctuary.		Kickoff Service Sunday, October 30, 2011, 3:00 p.m. HTELC sanctuary.
ALATHEA Concert Sunday, January 22, 2012, 5:30 p.m. HTELC sanctuary.	Centennial Celebration Luncheon Saturday, July 7, 2012, 11:30 a.m. Brownstone Hotel on Hillsborough Street.	Centennial Celebration Service Sunday, July 8, 2012, 10:00 a.m. HTELC sanctuary.

On Sunday, June 19, 2011 we celebrated by reenacting the first Lutheran worship service conducted in Raleigh a century ago. That service was conducted at the Briggs Building, which still stands at 220 Fayetteville Street, downtown. Video of the service can be seen here.

We celebrated again and officially kicked off our Centennial countdown on Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 3:00 pm. in a joint Reformation Service with other local Lutheran churches. The sermon at this service was preached by the Rev. Dr. Leonard Bolick, bishop of the North Carolina Synod. The video below features the Holy Trinity Chancel Choir in concert with choir members of other area Lutheran churches singing Psalm 46.

Our main celebration was held on July 7th and 8th, 2012 with a gala luncheon on the 7th followed by a special church service the next day. July 7, 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the formation of Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. These key events anchored our Centennial celebration, but many other activities were included throughout the year.

The Gala Lunch and Program was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh Brownstone – University Hotel. How’s that for a name! Most of us know this place as the Brownstone Hotel on Hillsborough Street. Some program highlights at the lunch were members sharing some stories about the life of Holy Trinity and The Raleigh Boychoir. This choir was started at Holy Trinity by our former organist and choir master, Tom Sibley.

The Centennial Celebration Service on July 8th at 10:00 a.m. began a time for our church to look to the future. Where do we want to go in our next 100 years? Our guest preacher was Pastor Christopher Heavner, presently the Campus Pastor at Clemson University. He is a past member of our campus ministry group at Holy Trinity. We also shared in the gift of music with a composition by former pastor Stephen Gerhard and Tom Lohr featuring choir, organ and handbells, written for our centennial celebration.

Images by Hildreth
Centennial Luncheon	Centennial Service

OUR GOD, THE GREAT I AM
Our God, the great I AM, spoke one explosive word. That in Creation's glorious wonders we have heard! In mercy, love and truth his strength and peace are known; And in His image gracefully makes us His own. The Child of Israel came, God's own annointed Son, The face of God on earth, for us salvation won. Obedient unto death, in deep humility, Upon the cross enthroned He drew humanity.	God's Spirit fills the earth, and all believers' hearts, Keeping Christ's righteous promise, never to depart. In counsel, wisdom, might, the Spirit puts to flight Our fears of sin and death, setting our hearts aright. Throughout our pilgrim days, upon this goodly land, Our lives are held secure in Gold's almighty hand. Through faith and unbelief, through sadness, joy and peace, The Father, Son and Holy Ghost grant us release.	Our God, the Great I AM
Text: ©2011 Stephen P. Gerhard (1945–2011), former pastor of Holy Trinity music: ©2012 Tom Lohr, member of Holy Trinity; commissioned by the Worship & Music Committee for the Centennial Celebration service of Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, July 8, 2012. Sung by the Chancel Choir. Music by the Trinity Ringers and Cliff Brock, organ. Conducted by Tom Lohr. Shannon Thomas, Director of Music.

Members of the Holy Trinity Chancel Choir, the Trinity Ringers, and Clifford Brock on organ performed "Oh God, the Great I AM," the anthem commissioned for the 100th anniversary service on July 8, 2012. The anthem was directed by Tom Lohr (front row, dark suit), who also composed the music to lyrics written by former HTELC pastor Stephen P. Gerhard. Photo by Joyce Yount.