The old church was heated by two wood burning stoves slightly back of the middle. Hanging from the ceiling were two clusters of kerosene lamps, three lamps in a group. The pulpit was a so-called "swallow-nest" type, that is, it was built against the back wall and reached high toward the ceiling of the church. The old pipe organ was built by Carl Barckoff at a cost to the church of $650.00. For some time after the new church was built this organ was still in use, but in 1914 it was sold to Freedom Township church near Waseca for $275.00.

(Sources: Faribault Republican Newspaper, June 7, 1871 and June 4, 1873; Trinity Church Records; 1946 - 75th Anniversary Book).

(Source: 75th Anniversary Book) "The cornerstone of our present church was laid on Sept. 2, 1900. The Rev. John Grabarkewitz of Good Thunder, MN, preached in German and Pastor Henry Schulz in English. The cornerstone is of St. Cloud granite. Its contents comprise an interesting list: a copy of a German Lutheran catechism; the constitution of the congregation; a list of the 115 voting members of that time; the names of the pastor, the teachers, the officers, the building committee, the architect, and the builders; a copy of the Lutheraner; a copy of the Lutheran Witness (magazine); a brief history of the congregation; the names of William McKinley, Pres. of the United States; John Lind, Gov. of MN; K. K. Chase, Mayor of Faribault; copies of four local English newspapers - the Republican, the Journal, the Democrat, and the Pilot; and a copy of German Language newspaper. The architect was Gauger of St. Paul. The foundation work was sub-let to Mr. A. F. Kuehl, and the superstructure was done by Wilken of St. Paul. The lumber was supplied by the Wisconsin Lumber Co. which was located on the corner across from the courthouse where the Lampert Yards now (ed: 1946) stand.

The church was dedicated on Nov. 10, 1901. Pastor Henry Schulz, the Rev. Herman Meyer of St. Paul and the Rev. Otto Sievers of Bear Valley, MN preached in German. The Rev. John Halvorson of Minneapolis preached a sermon in English.

Trinity Church is built of Red Menominee sand bricks. The trimming and steps are of Bedford stone. Its dimensions are 50 x 80 feet. The tower measures 16 feet square at the base and reaches upward to a height of 120 feet. In it is housed a bell weighing 2,000 pounds, purchased at a cost of $500.00. It is pitched to the tone of "E". The church seats 425 in the auditorium and 175 in the balcony. The total cost of the building was $16,000.00. The bonded indebtedness on the building was liquidated at the end of 1909.

In 1914 the old organ was replaced by a new Wicks pipe organ secured at a cost of $2,500.00 plus $260.00 for installation. It was dedicated by Prof. Reuter of Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN.

In the fall of 1943 the basement under the church was finished and arranged for a meeting place by the congregation. The floor was lowered and concreted, and asphalt tile placed on the top the concrete. The walls were plastered, the ceiling covered, and modern light fixtures installed. At the same time, a kitchen was built at the back to enable church organizations to serve refreshments with greater east at the many functions that are know held here. The labor of this project was donated by members of the congregation. The cost of the improvement was $3,175.00. At this time a new forced air furnace and stoker were installed at a cost of $2,600.00.

In the summer of 1944 a contract was let to Roy F. Olson of Marshall, MN to redecorate the church. The plan of the decorator was to give the interior the appearance of being built of brown granite blocks from the floor up to the windows, and of being trimmed in gray granite blocks around the arches and windows. The wall spaces between were finished in a leaf-design stipple. In the arched panel at the front of the auditorium to the right of the center aisle was cemented a large copy of Hoffman’s painting of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane to replace the old Scripture passage which had read in German, “Herr, ich habe lieb die Stätte deines Hauses, und den Ort da deine Ehre wohnet.” (Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honor dwelleth. Psalm 26, 8)

New modern design light fixtures were also installed to replace the old suspended globes. The woodwork and pews were cleaned and refinished as a part of the redecorating job. The floor was also sanded and refinished at this time with volunteer labor of members of the congregation. The total cost of the job was $2,734.50.

The interior decorating that was done in 1944 was the third paint job that was done on the present church. The first time was in 1901 at the time the church was built when Mr. George Shippman was engaged to do the painting. In 1926 the interior received its second paint job by Eckstrand and Jacobson of Minneapolis. At the same time a new asbestos shingle roof was put on by Joe Caron and Son.

Perhaps the most striking objects of interest to the visitor at Trinity are the two large and beautiful stained glass windows just forward of the center of the building. The west window represents the Resurrection of our Savior, and was given in memory of Mr. Ernest Peterson, a charter member of the congregation, who died on Mar. 27, 1892, and his son, Albert, who died on May 31, 1887. The east window, representing the Ascension of Jesus, was the gift of Ernest Fleckenstein in memory of his wife who died on May 31, 1898. Another object that attracts the eye is the baptismal font which stands in the nave to the left of the aisle and just in front of the chancel. The font, an angel carved in marble, was a gift of Mrs. Otilie Rodewald in memory of her husband, Dietrich Rodewald."

(Source: 125th Anniversary Book) Incorporated into the 1990 church from the 1900 church were: all previously donated stained glass windows, the bell (on display in the narthex), marble baptismal font, remaining pews from other churches.

The Story. "At a special meeting in 1987, the 1984 motion to remodel was rescinded. At the same meeting, voters approved construction of a new building. Committees began to work. The Building Committee conferred with BE Architects of Lake Elmo, MN., to develop plans for the congregation to consider. The Special Works Committee studied the feasibility of volunteer labor to reduce building costs. The Heritage Committee surveyed the congregation to establish a prioritized list of items from the old church which could be incorporated into the new building. The Public Relations Committee began the ANEW UPDATE publication to keep everyone informed as plans and construction progressed. The Finance Committee conducted an every member fund drive that met with great response.

An extra boost for the building fund came from organizations, committees and individuals who donated the profits of numerous fund raising events. A big financial help came from the ladies organizations of Trinity, that paid for everything in the kitchen, including the construction and furnishings.

Congregation's limiting borrowed funds not to exceed $350,000, resulting in numerous building plans being well received, but rejected as too costly. Voters vote to build in stages, beginning with Phase One to include the sanctuary, narthex, fellowship room, kitchen, restrooms and a mechanical area. Finally with more modifications, a plan was approved with BE Construction of Lake Elmo, MN awarded the contract.

"Holy God We Praise Your Name" was the theme of the ground breaking on June 25, 1989. After a unity service in the auditorium, the congregation assembled at the proposed building site (ed: just north of the 1990 church, same church property) for an outdoor ceremony.

Volunteers were already a big part of the project during the excavation in July. The summer was warm and dry; construction progressed without delays. After services on Sept. 17th, worshippers were invited to tour the construction site. Maps and signs defined areas as people walked on the concrete slab. Building Comm. members were present to help people envision locations of the chancel, nave, fellowship room and narthex.

Excitement and anticipation accelerated as the walls were completed and the heavy laminated roof beams were lifted in place. More and more tasks were undertaken by the men, women and young people who volunteered countless hours. A group from Peace Congregation helped; friends from the community also assisted occasionally. New friendships were formed as people worked side by side with members they had not met before. Individuals who provided and served food during coffee breaks and noon meals were another important part of the volunteerism. Sitting down to a hot, home-cooked meal was a relaxing rest period for the construction crew and volunteers. Volunteers saved nearly $100,000 of the total building cost of approx. $1.2 million.

Easter Sunday, 1990 was chosen for the first service in the new sanctuary. During the early months, interior work went forward at a stepped-up pace. Volunteers worked day and night to finish dry wall, floor tile, carpeting, painting, varnishing and numerous last minute details. Early in Holy Week it appeared the goal woud not be reached, but with an extra frantic effort, it happened! Sunday, April 15th, trumpets sounded, choirs sang and people packed the pews for the festive Easter service in the new church. A milestond for Trinity!

With "Christ is our Cornerstone" as the theme, the cornerstone service took place the following Sunday, April 22nd. On May 20, 1990, a Festival of Dedication was held. The afternoon began with a short Valedictory Service in the 1990 church. The Service of Entry followed the congregation's procession to the new church. Dr. O.H. Cloeter's spoke on "Enter to Worship - Depart to Serve". Shortly after, volunteer recognition dinner and a community open house were held."

The Kasota stone chancel area with altar, lectern and pulpit built and stained by volunteers, was ready to continue the Lord's work.