The Rev. Paul Schoffstall opened a program of concert music as Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Palmerton, celebrates its centennial anniversary. He said he attended a Moravian award program and the person receiving the award said "I stand on the shoulders of many people. … I accept this award for them."

Schoffstall said Holy Trinity also built upon the past and "here we are in this fun service."The program was divided into three parts - the past, the future and the present.Randall Perry served as organist and director of music at Holy Trinity from 2001-08. He is director of the Bach-Handel Chorale, and has strong opinions about church music. Representing the past, he played two songs on the organ and two on the piano that flooded the church with music.Asked how the church appeared to him, he said it looks the same and that he is still a Lutheran.Larry Arner, a senior choir member, said he thought back to when he was a youngster and sang wearing a purple skirt and purple bow, something he was willing to do only because he so enjoyed singing.He asked Perry if he would play the "Lord's Prayer" so he could sing it as he had done many times.Schoffstall asked Perry how he liked the new sound system. Perry said he did and asked, "What took you so long?" The answer to that was "finances.""We walk into our future with our little Junior Bell Choir," Schoffstall said. "If I could bottle their energy and take a sip every day, that would be great."From the program: "Under the Director of Music Lizzie Reif's patient hand they remind us to celebrate life and laughter."Moving to the present, the senior bell choir, the Resurrection Ringers, played four songs. They have been recognized as the "Best Handbell Choir in Lower Carbon County." Reif encourages her ringers to count, relax and smile.While they prepared for their performance, Schoffstall asked some questions relating to 1912: The percentage of children born at home (95), was Cracker Jack or Life Savers introduced in 1912 (both), which cost more, going to the movies or a gallon of gas (movies were 5 cents and a gallon of gas was 7 cents), were there zippers (no, buttons were used), which of marijuana, heroin or morphine was available over the counter at the drug store (all of them) and a 12-day cruise cost only $60.In 1956 when the telephone rang Grandma would know if it was for Mrs. Jones. You had to listen to the length of a ring, how many there were and if there was a combination of long and short. Mrs. Jones' ring was two short and two long.We are now 56 years later and we are connected more than any other race, but people sit by themselves communicating a potential for loneliness. When the bell ringers get together they have a great time, said Schoffstall. It is important we play good harmonic music.Snappily clad in their new choir robes, the Senior Choir has been a staple of Holy Trinity's music since 1914. The motto of the choir is "An hour of singin' never hurt anybody."For the song "Shout to the Lord," Mark Bloss added his talent on the guitar as Lorene LaRose and Connie Reinhart sang a duet.Schoffstall said, "Thank you very much with a special thank you to Liz (music director). In the quiet of the night think about your life and all the hands that helped you to where you are today and for Holy Trinity."Everyone moved downstairs to the newly decorated Fellowship Hall for dinner. Its walls are painted a cheerful yellow - it is known as the Sunshine Room.After the cake was eaten, three people were asked to give their remembrances of the church.Betty Steigerwalt said in the era of the Rev. Bortz the Sunday School was crowded and Luther League was flourishing. Members had pen pals. Lehighton and Slatington were invited for dances. Mrs. Shupp made the best cinnamon buns in the world, and Steigerwalt worked in the Thrift Shop.Terry Holland, president of the church council, was confirmed in 1968 but moved out of the area. He is happy to be back. What's been happening?A new roof, a changed heating system and replacement of the fluorescent lights with savings from PPL were some of the recent changes. Roofs in the bell tower were repaired and some repainting of the stones was done. Windows were replaced for clarity of view and more energy savings. The new sound system has wireless remote which will be useful for plays."If you are here during the day this place is active. As long as we can accommodate outside groups, the better we'll be," Holland said.As the physical building changed and improved, the congregation also grew and became more active. "Get the word out. We have a wonderful time," said Holland.The last speaker was Connie Reinhart, who has been busy sorting documents. She found them interesting, and recalled places in Palmerton that were connected to the early church but are no longer part of the town.In 1937 black choir robes were purchased and the old ones were sent to St. John's By the Sea, New York. In a letter received from St. John's it said, "We had a very successful first year and you made it possible for us to have a 23-member choir."In 1942 during World War II people were so afraid of attack that war damage insurance was being sold.She explained the symbolism of the church design. Among them, the three steps to the altar were for faith, hope and charity.Barbara Herman wrote a poem for the occasion beginning "Today we come to honor thee, Oh Holy Lutheran Trinity" and ends with "The Kingdom of Heaven lies within."