For 60 years, Trinity Village has provided care and services to families and their loved ones in Hickory. The senior living community celebrated this milestone with a family-fun event on Sunday, Oct. 23.
“It is a joy to be part of the Trinity Village team and to work alongside the 260 dedicated team members who make up this work family,” Trinity Village Administrator Marcheta Campbell said. “Our entire team is happy to celebrate this milestone and we are looking to continue the tradition of serving and caring for others for years to come.”
Trinity Village was established in 1962 as Lutheran Home Hickory. It was the first ministry created by Lutheran Services for the Aging (LSA) which was founded by the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to provide for seniors.
In June of 2012, LSA united with Lutheran Family Services (LFS) under the name Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC). The introduction of the new name also included new names for the Lutheran Homes. Lutheran Home in Hickory was officially renamed to Trinity Village.
Memories of Trinity Village
Rev. Beth Kearney grew up spending every Sunday at Trinity Village, known to her as Lutheran Home. Her father, Isaac Kuhn, was the administrator of the community for over 10 years.
Every Sunday, the Kuhn family went to church and then went to Lutheran Home for lunch. They would then spend their afternoon visiting with residents and their families.
“It was like having 200 grandparents,” Kearney remembered. “We went from room to room. We knew who told the good stories and who kept the best candy. There was one resident, Virginia, who I give credit for my love of puzzles. She always had one going.”
The first time Betty Kuhn visited Trinity Village was in 1972 when she attended the community’s Christmas Day services with the Kuhn family. At the time she was dating Frank Kuhn, Isaac Kuhn’s son. The two eventually got married.
“Isaac was a role model,” Betty Kuhn said. “He was so devoted to the residents.”
When she took a development position with LSC, Betty Kuhn began visiting the community more frequently to chat with donors. She said she was also fortunate enough to work with Bryce Hollar to establish the Hollar Scholarships Fund.
The fund was established in 2011 by Bryce Hollar in memory of his wife, the late Margie Hefner Hollar, and in tribute to the staff of Lutheran Home — Hickory, which is now Trinity Village, who provided care for her in her final years. Later, Bryce expanded the scholarship opportunity to all LSC employees to empower them to further their education and enhance their abilities to care for those served at LSC.
“They’ve (Trinity Village) been a real blessing to the community,” Betty Kuhn said. “They have provided a family-centered and faith-based place to heal.”
Cheers to 60 years
The anniversary celebration was a fun event for the entire family including live music, food trucks, games, a bounce house, an appearance from Conrad the Crawdad and much more.
“LSC’s over $150 million in services across the Carolinas got its start with one small nursing home in Hickory called The Lutheran Home, now Trinity Village,” said LSC president Ted Goins. “We are humbled to reflect on the church and early board members and leaders who dreamt of abundant living for seniors. The abundant living LSC still provides 60 years later. Happy Birthday, Trinity Village!”
For more information about Trinity Village, visit https://trinityvillage.net/.
