When I first heard that the Trinity congregation was closing their doors, I spoke to some members of that congregation to confirm this and to bring up the idea of moving the building to the Manning Heritage Park.
I asked Bob Hansen where the old church record book was and we found it in the parsonage. He knew the newer book was with Pastor Ketchum in Audubon, since he became their pastor.
I suggested we put this big book in a safe and my first thought was that Puck Implement Company would have a big enough safe, so this is where it was kept for several years.

I e-mailed some of my "Kusel" cousins about the closing of this church, who no longer lived in this area but attended this church when they were growing up and one of them, Mavis (Friedrichsen) Brown of California {granddaughter of Henry & Rosa (Kusel) Friedrichsen}, was so excited that she sent a check for $1000. I told her that the decision hadn't even been decided on yet, but she wanted her donation to go towards the care of this church one way or the other...so Mavis was the very first person to donate toward the project.

When it all began
Moving committee: November 8, 2005, in the basement of Trinity Church

Ruth (Kanning) Hansen, Rick Lohrmann, Craig Hansen, Robert Hansen, Russell Bruhn, Stan Baack, Dan Peters
Ruth's parents were Pastor William and Louise Kanning - pastor at Trinity starting in 1946.

April 4, 2006 Groundbreaking site at the Manning Heritage Park

Chuck Amoura, Carlo Massarella, Frank Boeck, Shane Boeck, Dan Peters, Curt Struve, Dennis Grimm, Robert Hansen

You seldom see the cameraman so here he is...

Dave Kusel
Carlo was so surprised at the size of this chicken fried steak that the Corner Cafe served that he wanted this picture taken.

May 22, 2006 preparation for moving the Trinity Church

Craig "Curly" Hansen
March 3, 1954 - July 1, 2016
Son of Robert and Ruth (Kanning) Hansen


Stan Baack (son-in-law of Darlene & Harold Asmus), Russell Bruhn

Stan Baack


Dan Peters (right) discussing the stages prior to moving.

May 24, 2006 - movers begin preliminary work


Cribbing and hydraulic jacks


View on the northwest side May 24


May 25


8:47 a.m. May 25


7:38 a.m. May 26 east side


May 30


7:37 a.m. May 31 Bob Hansen and Russell Bruhn removing the church cornerstones for preservation.

Sand was placed in the bottom of the loader bucket to protect the front side of the stones.