The 1700's

The story of any congregation is the story of families, in this case the Berger (Barger) and Keinadt (Koiner) families. Both had their beginnings in Germany, had probably been influenced by William Penn who had traveled extensively in Germany giving glowing accounts of America; both had first emigrated to Pennsylvania, and then to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

1800-1850

The Rev. John Foltz served the congregation from 1800-1810. A native son of the Valley, he was licensed in 1796, ordained by the Pennsylvania Ministerium in 1802 and died in 1810. The minutes of a meeting held in 1804 call for the construction of benches in the church. In his Journal of April 4, 1807, Paul Henkel writes:

1851-1900

In 1856 Casper Koiner died at the age of 92, having worshipped for 62 years, during 7 pastorates, in the churches he helped build. His life in Virginia spanned fifteen Presidencies, from Washington to Pierce. He saw the settlement named Teesville be renamed Waynesboro in honor of General Anthony Wayne, with a population of 250 in 1810; stagecoaches stopping at Major Wilson's Tavern on Main Street; the coming of the N&W R.R. which began as part of the Shenandoah Road; the Virginia Central R.R. cross the Blue Ridge and the tunnel construction start, and the society that had been rustic become quite polished. His wife, Margaret, preceded him in 1850 at the age of 78.

1901-1928

During 1901 and 1902 Trinity Church was remodeled and enlarged, giving it five windows along each side instead of three, at a cost of $1883.28, and additional land to make an open road into Trinty was purchased for $300 per acre. In 1902 the congregation voted "to participate in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition with a school exhibit, teacher Hilgartner to make the arrangements".

1929-1949

On July 7, 1929, the Rev. Karl H. Maier was ordained and installed as Pastor by his brother, Dr. Walter A. Maier, the founder and first speaker on the International Lutheran Hour. The service was held at Trinity Church .

1966-2003

Rev. Karl K. Schmidt became pastor of Bethany-Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church October 16, 1966. At that time the congregation was going through many changes. Rev. Karl Maier, who had been pastor for 37 years, had left an indelible impression on the church. A new pastor was a challenge both to the congregation’s members and to Rev. Schmidt. It was a good time for him to be at Bethany as he led the congregation through a time of transition to a more open church with ease and with growth in memberships. He was well liked and the congregation became less centralized and more active in the community. He accepted a call in 1974 to the Southeastern District of the LCMS in Alexandria , Virginia