I’ve spent the last 30+ years at my hometown church on Christmas Eve participating in their candlelight service. It’s always been such a peaceful, faith-filled time. Sadly, this past Christmas Eve service was the last that will be held there. 

Trinity Lutheran Church in Wendell, MN has been a part of my family’s life since before I was born. Established in 1905, my Dad was baptized there, my Mom and Dad were both confirmed there, and it was the site of their wedding 58 years ago. 

Following tradition, I was also baptized there (wearing my Dad’s handmade baptismal gown), confirmed there, and married there. Through the age of 18 I spent most Sundays there participating in services and attending Sunday School. Sitting in the creaky balcony and taking notes of the sermons during my confirmation years.

All three of my children were baptized there, also wearing their grandpa’s baptismal gown.

The doors to the church were never locked during my childhood, and my sister and I would sneak in the back door and eat dill pickle slices out of the big jars that were always in the refrigerator. 

Every Sunday its pews were full of people. But times change. The town of Wendell, never large, has now dwindled down to less than 200 people. Unless you’re a farmer, there aren’t a lot of jobs in the area and most young people move away. The town’s senior citizens pass on. There’s barely anyone left to fill its pews anymore. 

It’s a testament to the dedicated congregation that Trinity managed to stay open as long as it has. A few wealthy families and a minister who came out of retirement to serve held it together for the last 20 or so years.

Trinity is known for the enormous, two story stained glass windows on its east and west walls. I can’t imagine not sitting in one of its pews and watching the sunlight shine through them.

Driving in to Wendell from the east the church is the first thing you see. Now it’s closed and will be demolished sometime in the near future. I can’t image it not being there.

How do you say goodbye to something that’s been a part of your entire life? Although I don’t live there any longer and only attended services on Christmas Eve, I still consider it my home church. 

But times change.