About Trinity
Our History starts with minutes beginning in 1892 outlining discussions concerning a new Lutheran congregation to be planted in Perkasie. By fall, the cornerstone was laid for a building and a charter for a new congregation was received. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded as part of the then Norristown Conference, and in honoring the three-in-one Trinity, three congregations founded at that time bear that name: at Lansdale, Quakertown, and Perkasie.
As the railroad industry boomed, the town of Perkasie changed rapidly; so, too was the early part of Trinity’s history. The church was built on Sellersville Road, at the end of Main street. By 1900, Perkasie renamed its streets to match that of Philadelphia. The original Main Street became Chestnut Street and was continued past our property. Sellersville Road which had originally been a link between Sellersville and Dublin, became Fifth Street. So, without moving we became the landmark at the corner of Fifth & Chestnut streets.
The first building was used from 1893 on, with formal consecration in 1895. A large parsonage was added to the church building in 1900. By 1906, Trinity’s congregation had outgrown its facilities. The original building was moved east so the new building could be situated at the corner of Fifth & Chestnut streets. Our familiar tower on the corner became the new home for the bell, but the original building’s tower remained until 1923. That year marked the completion of a huge renovation to the church and Sunday school interiors.
By the 1930s, purchase of the Parish House across Chestnut Street was planned. That building housed much of our Sunday School, fellowship, and office space until 1960 when the new Education Building was added. Another significant renovation took place in 1970 when the parsonage was razed and a new Chancel was added to the sanctuary. In 1985 the building was made handicapped accessible and all offices were revamped or remodeled. In the early 2000s, there was a new Capital Campaign to replace a failing pipe organ and expand the parking lot at Fourth & Chestnut streets. A new organ by the Reuter Organ Company was installed in 2004, and the parking lot expansion was completed in 2008.
The ongoing theme of the 125 years summarized above is that of a growing, ever-changing community of faith. Priority has always been given to strong music and education programs for all ages. These programs were and are the basis for the relationships that form and lead the ministries carried on through the community known as Trinity.
Rev. Sarah Aasheim
Pastor
Pastor Sarah was called to Trinity in 2024. While she is new to Trinity, she and her family have been living in Perkasie since 2021. Pastor Sarah has a B.A. in History and Religion from Simpson College (Indianola, Iowa) and a M.Div. from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. She was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament (Pastor) in the ELCA in 2014.
Since being ordained, Pastor Sarah has served in a variety of settings and contexts as a parish pastor. She has also worked on a Synod Council and as a Conference Dean in the Southeast Pennsylvania Synod. In 2022 she earned a certificate through the Interim Ministry Network to help congregations through periods of transition.
Pastor Sarah is married to Pastor Russ Crouthamel, originally from the Perkasie/Souderton area and together they have two sons. Pastor Sarah also enjoys knitting, reading, and watercoloring.
Debra Detweiler
Deacon
Deacon Debra Detweiler was first called to serve at Trinity as Parish Assistant/Educational Ministry in 1983. A native of Perkasie, she earned a B. A. in Elementary Education from Goshen College and a M.A. in Religion with a concentration in Christian Education from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. She became certified by the Lutheran Church in America as a Lay Professional Leader. When the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed, her title was changed to Associate in Ministry.
Deb currently serves as Trinity’s Deacon, a rostered leader in the ELCA who is called to be a “Minister of Word and Service.” Her areas of responsibility include pastoral care, ministry with senior adults, and volunteer empowerment. In addition, she works with the Social Ministry Team as they find meaningful ways to reach out to those in need both locally and globally. She serves as the church staff liaison to the TLC Child Center and is a member of its Board of Directors.
Deacon Deb’s roots run deep in the Pennridge community and she remains well connected with church and community members. She especially enjoys opportunities to visit with members who are homebound, hospitalized, recuperating at home or grieving the loss of loved ones.
Through the years, Deacon Deb has served the church at large as a member of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s Education Ministry, Confirmation Ministry, and Vacation Bible School Teams. She has also served on the SEPA Synod Council and World Hunger Team. In 1997 she was the Co-Coordinator of Volunteers for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly held at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
Passionate about serving those in need, Deacon Deb coordinated the SEPA Synod Youth Helping Hands Day of Service for many years. With help from members of the Pennridge Ministerium, she organized the first Pennridge CROP Walk for Hunger in 1984 and served as its coordinator for almost twenty years. Deacon Deb continues to serve as a member of the Walk’s planning team which has helped to raise $840,000 for local and global hunger since its inception.
In her free time, you will find her enjoying music, reading, writing notes, and spending time with friends.
Terri Kolodziejski
CHURCH COUNCIL
Fred Slemmer, President
Becky Eells, Vice-President
Sydney Rose, Secretary
Larry Bachtell, Treasurer
Linda Beach
Alan Bruzas
Cathy Carman
Lois Dougherty
Linda Garcia
Denise Leatherman
Barry Musselman
Doug Sterner
Sarah Witherow