The Rev. J.R. Laubach was installed as pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Palmerton, at a special service that was attended last evening by about 300 people.

The Rev. Martin L. Rothenberger, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lehighton, and dean of the Lehighton District, conducted the installation.

Before coming to Palmerton, the Rev. Laubach served the Pleasant Valley Lutheran Parish, which composes Kresgeville, Gilbert and Kunkletown, and St. Paul’s Third Lutheran Church, in Easton.

His brothers, the Rev. Robert Laubach and the Rev. Howard E. Laubach Jr., took part in the installation service.

The new pastor and his wife Doris have three sons, James Jr., Robert and Mark.