The three newly-merged congregations forming the Blessed Trinity Lutheran Church gathered to say farewell to another historic place of worship. The Service of Leave-Taking was held April 30 at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 474 Vine St.

This building, along with St. John’s Windish at 617 E. Fourth St., and its parking lot across the street, and Light of Christ Lutheran Church at 202 Worthington Ave., are being purchased by Lehigh University as a package deal.

In light of dwindling memberships, the three separate congregations voted to worship together. St. John’s Windish held its leave-taking service April 23. The Light of Christ members will hold their final service as “Light of Christ” on May 28. The combined members, now known as “Blessed Trinity,” will continue gathering at the Light of Christ Lutheran Church location as tenants until they find or build a permanent home.

Serving in an interim capacity, Pastor Mike Button led the landmark church’s final service. Many in attendance dabbed their eyes as rain showers pelted the slate roof.

The pastor was aided by Joe Bleier, serving as assisting minister, and communion assistants Elizabeth Elterich and Michel Lloyd. Lector Donna Musselman joined in to read Bible verses.

“Today we gather in this place to give thanks for the ministry that has happened in these buildings, and for the people who have been fed and nurtured in the Christian faith here,” Button said as he welcomed and addressed his flock. “Even as we mark the end of an era in one place, we acknowledge how we all are participants in God’s mission that continues beyond this day and these walls.”

The South Side Brass, church choir, bell choir, soloist Wendy Borst, organist Marisa Deshler and flutist Elaine Martin provided music.

All three Lutheran congregations trace their genesis to St. Peter’s, which was founded in 1863 to serve the German and Slovenian immigrants who settled South Bethlehem. Construction on the current building was started in 1873. The church underwent major alterations and expansion into the 20th century.

Preferring to have their services conducted in their native language, the Slovenians split off and constructed St. John’s Windish Evangelical Lutheran Church around 1911.

Choir member Carol Eddinger Lopez reminisced about how her great-grandparents arrived in South Bethlehem from Germany and began worshiping at St. Peter’s in 1904. Generations of her family have occupied the same pew for decades.

Lopez was baptized in 1958, her mother in 1929, and Lopez’s daughter in 1986. With pleasant memories of Sunday school, youth group, and confirmation, Lopez said, “That’s why this church is so vital, so important, so meaningful, and so hard to leave today.

“But, Blessed Trinity is our new identity as we go forward,” she added.

Several generations of St. Peter’s members gathered for a commemorative farewell photo at the end of the service, before eating lunch in the church’s social room. Kasey Lynn’s on Broadway catered the meal.

Information: swww.blessedtrinitybethlehem.org