"Tuesday, February 11th, two men from the Lutheran
Ecclesiastical Arts Department in Philadelphia arrived at
Trinity Lutheran Church. When they left that evening, the
new Christus Rex was in place in the sanctuary of the church.
In this day when man is pampered and pleasure loving, the
crucifix stands before us to challenge our complacency. In
every way it is the needed witness for our day. The
ultimate test of Christian faith is the ability to face the
crucified Lord in all His agonizing reality and cry out, 'Thou
art the King of Glory.'
The suggestion that a cross without the figure of Christ is
Protestant as compared with a Roman Catholic crucifix, or that
the crucifixion represents Christ defeated in His passion while
the empty cross in the Easter cross of triumph are myths.
Luther at the time of the Reformation retained the crucifix in
the Lutheran Church. Only in America, where Lutheranism
came under the influence of Calvinism, was the plain cross used.
The Christus Rex is the perfect symbol for a Christ-centered
church like the Lutheran Church. We preach Christ and Him
crucified but do not dwell on His agony or suffering; rather,
that He is our living, reigning Lord of all.
The remodeling is not finished. The altar has been moved
forward and on Communion Sundays, the Pastor will face the
congregation, thus allowing the people to follow the liturgical
action of the service. In the near future, new lighting
will be installed - maybe by the time this reaches your home.
Flower stands will be added on each side of the altar, and the
place on which the altar stands will be enlarged.
Hopefully, by Easter, everything will be finished and the
Lindenberger Memorial which made all this possible will be
completed.
Mrs. Flossie Lindenberger, who is the one being remembered by
this memorial, was a member of the building committee when the
church was erected. She and her husband gave the cross and
candlesticks on the altar. Therefore, it is very
appropriate that this remodeling is being done in her memory."
