Burdell Steigerwalt, retiring council president at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Bowmanstown, was applauded during the annual congregational meeting held after the worship service conducted Sunday by the Rev. Robert Leith, pastor.

Steigerwalt, who was unable to run for re-election as a council member in that he served the number of consecutive years allowed to any person, was given a standing ovation by the members who praised his devoted service to the church.

New council members elected during the meeting are Mrs. Donald A. Noll, Richard S. Steltz and Roland Fritz.

A proposed budget for 1973 listing expenses of $27,035 was presented by the church’s financial committee and accepted by the council.