The Historical Society of Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistadt/Mequon has made arrangements for the use of a chalice that was given by the great reformer Martin Luther, to his sister Margaret as a wedding gift. It will be used in connection with the church's 160th anniversary celebra- tion, which will be held for three days on Oct. 8, thru Oct. 10, 1999. Trinity Freistadt is the oldest Lutheran church in Wisconsin.
The Don Lentz family from Indianola, Iowa are owners of this priceless cup and have agreed to loan it to the church for the happy occasion. The chalice has been handed down the Lenz family (the "t" was added later) for generations and was a rallying center piece. It was the glue that held family reunions together. It came from Holland to America along with ancient German papers at the turn of this century. The Rev. Ludwig Carl Lentz came to Iowa as a Lutheran missionary from Amseterdam and later received the cup as rightful heir.
Use of this chalice is especially appropriate because Trinity Church was founded in 1839 by Pomeranians. John Bugenhagen, also known as Dr. Pomeranus, was pastor at the Wittenburg church at the time of Margaret's wedding. It is speculated that he may have used this chalice to serve communion at the wedding ceremony. As a Pomeranian he translated Luther's High German Bible and catechism into Plattdeutsch. Our Pommer forefathers could then teach the children the Lutheran confessions. Without Bugenhagen as the Father of Lutheran education, Trinity Church Freistadt would not exist.
For release prior to Oct. 8, 1999
Contact person: Ron Kraft - Trinity Historical Society 5877 Dorchester Dr. Cedarburg, WI 53012-1431 Tel. (414) 376-7641 E-Mail dkraft@execpc.com >>
Date: Mon, 3 May 1999 11:24:25 -0500
From: Robert Smith
Go To Page: 1
