The History of
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Rogers, Arkansas

The history of Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rogers, Arkansas, is a testament to growth, community, and enduring faith, tracing its origins back to a vision of expansion. It all began on November 15, 1959, when Salem Lutheran Church in Springdale took the initiative to establish a mission congregation in the burgeoning community of Rogers. In those very early days, before a dedicated building existed, services were held in a most unique location: the upstairs locker room of the Rogers Bowl. This humble beginning truly underscores the spirit of a community coming together to build something lasting.

The formal organization of Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church took place on December 2, 1962. At its inception, the church welcomed 60 communicants and 29 children, laying the foundational stones of a vibrant spiritual family. This burgeoning congregation quickly outgrew its temporary home, leading to a significant milestone: the dedication of their first purpose-built church and educational facilities on October 28, 1962. This new sanctuary, located on Highway 102, provided a much-needed permanent home and a place for the community to gather, worship, and learn.

The leadership of dedicated pastors has been instrumental in shaping Holy Trinity's journey. In July 1963, Reverend Eugene F. Pennekamp became the church's first resident pastor. Under his guidance, the congregation experienced substantial growth, fostering various groups and ministries that enriched the spiritual lives of its members. As the church continued to thrive and its membership expanded, so did its physical footprint. A major expansion occurred on September 18, 1983, with the dedication of a new church and office wing, reflecting the ongoing vitality and needs of the community. Beyond these significant additions, the church consistently invested in its facilities, including renovations that improved Sunday School areas and the installation of a new organ, all aimed at better serving its growing congregation.

The legacy of leadership continued with the arrival of Reverend Hubert L. Bernthal in December 1978, followed by Reverend Gordon Besel in 1996. Reverend Eric Longman was installed as Senior Pastor in 2018, guiding the church into a new chapter. Most recently, Reverend Mike Meyer was installed as Associate Pastor of Youth and Families in 2023.

Holy Trinity has also demonstrated remarkable resilience in adapting to modern challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the church quickly pivoted to offering online services, ensuring that its community remained connected and spiritually nourished even during times of isolation. Eventually, the church safely resumed in-person worship with appropriate measures, showcasing its commitment to both the well-being and spiritual needs of its members.

The Sheep

The flock of sheep that graze on the front lawn of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church were created by the late Henry Menke.  Henry and his wife Ruth were faithful members of this congregation for many years.  Henry was a sculptor who enjoyed working with wood, metal, stone, and glass.  A profile of Henry published in Artcraft Magazine quoted Henry saying, "the whole story of my work is not told unless the viewer reaches forward impulsively and feels the area I have accented, and experiences the shape of the piece, and shares my pleasure in having brought it to completion."  As a strong Christian, Henry often incorporated his faith in Jesus Christ into his work.  He created his flock of sheep to graze on church lawns as a reminder that we are the sheep of God's pasture.  Through our Savior Jesus, God provides the green pastures we need for life.  He also defends us from danger and gives us eternal salvation.  Henry's first flock of sheep were displayed at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville for about a month.  He later donated that flock to the Sunshine School in Bentonville for their lawn.  The flock that we have here at Holy Trinity is one of the last things Henry created before cancer forced him to give up his work.  He died in June, 2005.  It is a great honor that we have a flock of Henry's sheep grazing on our front lawn to remind us of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

There is also a lone lamb in the flower bed by the entrance to our Life Center.  It was also created by Henry Menke.  This lamb was donated in memory of Julia Williams, a member of our congregation who was killed in a van accident shortly after she graduated from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas.