Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Slatedale, honored those who help the community at a special service at the end of last year.

Pastor David Hess welcomed the visitors to the church as part of its 125th anniversary celebration.

He said Holy Trinity is blessed by leaders who make society work.

Congressman Charlie Dent, R-15th, was the first to speak.

He said the Lutheran Church in America was founded by Frederick Melchior Muhlenberg and his son, also a minister, became a member of the Continental Congress and had a long career in politics.

"We understand what Martin Luther did. You should be proud of this occasion," said Dent.

He presented a citation to Pastor Hess.

State Rep. Julie Harhart, R-183rd, gave congratulations on the 125th anniversary.

She said the people should remember Holy Trinity is a church but that it's the congregation that keeps it together.

She also presented a citation which said the church had a long history of service to God.

Pastor Barbara Lee of Salem United Methodist Church began by saying, "Greetings, grace and peace to you."

She said she was thankful for the friendship of Pastor Hess.

"We pray that your light will continue to shine brightly," she said.

Cindy Snyder, representing the U.S. Postal Service, said it was her privilege to stand before them.

The post office came to Slatedale in 1956 and previous postmasters also were active in the area churches.

She gave their names and dates of service.

Snyder congratulated Holy Trinity on its anniversary and presented a certificate on behalf of the U.S .Postal Service and the Slatedale Post Office.

Dianne Frantz is with Holy Trinity's Lutheran Church Women.

She said it has been in existence for 50 years, but began as part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The group decided it wanted to keep its focus on the local area and changed its name to Lutheran Church Women.

They hold such events as Mother-Daughter and Father-Son banquets, refurbished the kitchen, provide Christmas gifts to children, help support the state hospital, and make a donation to the church's memorial fund when a church woman passes away.

Hess said Salem UMC predates Holy Trinity and the Lehigh Furnace Sunday School also did.

It served as a school during the week.

Ricky Kistler said the Sunday School was founded in 1876 and though it is a few years older the church and Sunday school work together.

Hess and members from Holy Trinity have taught at the Lehigh Furnace Union Sunday School.

They share 30 members and help maintain the church property.

He recognized the church for 125 years of religious leadership.

Hess said the next person does not work spiritually but on the body.

Nora Jean Walters is a leader of TOPS PA-0859, Slatedale.

The Slatedale Chapter was founded in 1983 by Margaret Ferber.

The program concerns healthy eating, exercise and providing support.

She is proud it has remained nonprofit.

Margaret Anthony and Susan Shelly, leaders of Girl Scout Troop 159 attended.

Anthony said the church saved the troop because it needed a place for a major project to raise funds for a trip to Europe.

"The church has treated us marvelously. All my girls turned out to be very gracious ladies," she said.

4-H leader Arlene Eberwine said the girls' 4-H Club was organized in 1958.

Eberwine was a member of the church and the group met there.

She said the girls learned to sew, first by sewing on buttons and then moving on to dresses.

Hess got a laugh when he asked if anyone sewed buttons any more.

He mentioned some groups that are very helpful in the community but were not at the service.

They were the Cemetery Association, Ambulance Corps, Slatedale Fire Company, Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, the American Legion, Masonic Lodge and the Northern Lehigh Food Bank.

"That's how our community grows," Hess said.

In his prayer following the recognitions he said, "For all who offer themselves in your name, we give thanks, oh God. Give them the joy of service and constant care and guidance."