The membership of the Trinity Lutheran Church has been steadily declining in recent years because of the corresponding decline in rural population. As a result, the congregation can no longer support itself and function as a full service church. The congregation will continue to be active into its 125th Anniversary. It will then cease operations and close the doors. The Manning Heritage Foundation, the congregation of Trinity and several Manning area citizens are working together to preserve the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lincoln Township, Audubon County. The proposal for the project is to move the church from its present location and restore it at the Heritage Park located in Manning (by the German Hausbarn). At that location, it will be made available for public touring and to be available for any Christian religious event such as weddings, baptisms, funerals, etc. The plan is to have the Church available for public use in June 2006. A working committee is scheduling the move along with the construction and development of roads, parking lot, landscaping, basement and utilities. Approximately $100,000 will be needed for the total project. The committee is actively soliciting contributions so that this historic church can be preserved and available for religious events in the years ahead. A special account has been established which will be specifically used for this project. Contributions can be sent to
An effort is underway to save the church from future destruction and again make it useable at another location.
Trinity Lutheran Church (TLC) Relocation
Box 211
Manning, Iowa
51455