Celebrating over 65 years of worship in Burbank, Illinois

 Celebrating 65 Years..... History of Holy TLC 65 years ago, six men had a dream. And these six men, George Habel, Edward Hartfield, Edward Krueger, Edwin Nueman, Carl Katenhausen and Carl Schneider, filled with the Holy Spirit, started a new church in the south suburbs of Chicago. At first, they started meeting in a storefront under the tutelage of Reverend Lange, then Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Summit. After appealing to the Northern Illinois District, a chapel was erected on a lot at 73rd and Harlem Avenue at a cost of $1,500.00. On October 27, 1940 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church was dedicated. On February 23, 1941 Holy Trinity became a chartered member of the Lutheran Churches of the Missouri Synod. The original six members signed its first constitution on March 9, 1941 and they called their first Pastor, Reverend Paul F. Huxhold, Jr. In September of 1943, a Christian day school was opened for eight grades with Mr. Ernest Ebert serving as principle and only teacher. Unfortunately, in February of the following year, a fire gutted the school and church. Members donated from their savings and some even mortgaged their homes to provide the funds to rebuild and add a second floor to the building. In August of 1947, the first parsonage at 73rd and Nottingham was purchased for $5,000.00. It was sold in October of 1948. Through the years the congregation continued to grow and more room was needed. On March 5, 1959, the cornerstone for the present building was laid and officially dedicated on October 11, 1959. In January of 1960, the old church building was sold and five additional lots north of the new church building were purchased giving the congregation ownership of the land all the way to 86th St. for future growth. In October of 1975, a new Rogers’s organ was purchased at a cost of over $16,000.00. And again in November of 1982, another $23,000.00 was used to remodel the chancel. Since 1985, thousands of dollars have been raised through Rummage sales, Choir dinners, various fundraisers and memorials. In September of 1991, over $200,000.00 of raised funds was used to add a new fellowship hall. In the summer of 1995, a new parking lot was constructed at a cost of over $80,000.00. During these years we have also added two new roofs, a new boiler and improvements with the lighting and sound systems. There are future plans for other building improvements, including air conditioning and new church windows. Through these 65 years, this congregation has grown through the dedication and volunteer work of many past and current members. This congregation has been served these 65 years by over 20 pastors, vicars and counselors. We truly thank the Lord for allowing us to do his work and continually pray that he will show us the way to grow his Kingdom and give us the spiritual strength to continue our mission to reach all people with the good news of Jesus Christ; to grow as His followers through Word and Sacraments; and to serve God and one another with all we are and have. Vicar L. Haitz was the first called to help with establishing Holy Trinity . Rev. P. Huxhold was the first called Pastor. A host of Godly men, among them, Rev.Otto Thieme and Rev David Krueger served as interim pastors. Our present Pastor is Rev. Dr. John Richy. God has truly blessed us .....& provided for our needs! Below are the dates of services of all our Pastors that have served with us: