About Us
God has always had great things planned for Triumphant Lutheran Church and His disciples in Christ. The first indication that a Mission Church was planned for this area was when a sign appeared about February 1, 1979 on Nacogdoches Road approximately one fourth mile south of FM 3009. It read: "Site of Future Lutheran Church." The New Braunfels newspaper announced the first meeting for all those interested in this venture to meet at Bracken Fire Station on February 17th at 2 p.m. All those present (about 35 people) were in favor of proceeding with the formation of a mission church in the Tri-County area. Soon, a call committee was formed and Pastor Noland Sagebiel arrived on June 4, 1979 as Triumphant's first pastor. Enthusiastic response to home group meetings and home visitation prompted the establishment of worship services beginning July 15, 1979 with 135 in attendance at the Bracken Bowling Alley. Charter membership was closed December 23, 1979, with a total of 118 confirmed and 158 baptized members.
As this community of Christians grew in Word and number, and since we became an ALC congregation on October 21, 1979, the decision was made to start building a sanctuary. The present site was offered as a gift by Melvin and Nora Heimer. On June 15, 1980, work on the church building began, with dedication services taking place on February 22, 1981. God's many blessings and guiding hands have led us forward through the years. Pastor L.G. Wehman served from March 1, 1985 to December 31, 1994. Pastor Douglas J. Schoelles lead Triumphant in God's redeeming word from April 9, 1995 to May 31, 2002. Pastor Alan J. Watt served as Interim pastor from June 2002 to May 2003. Pastor Mark Gruebmeyer served as pastor from June 2003 to December 2007. And Pastor Bill Irons now serves as pastor of Triumphant Lutheran Church.
Throughout the years, our congregation continued to grow both in number and in resources. There have been several building programs over the years, such as expanding the sanctuary, building a Fellowship Hall and an Education Building and adding more parking space.
Along with Sunday morning religious education, the care of our children is a vital part of the ministry at Triumphant Lutheran Church. A Mother's Day Out program was started in 1981 and currently serves approximately fifty children from 11:30 - 4:30 every Monday and Wednesday. Triumphant Lutheran Preschool was launched in September 2001. Today, the preschool serves children from age three to five with classes five days a week. Other ministries include adult Bible study, community outreach, Children's Chapel, youth activities, Choir, Quilting Bees, Bunco, Creative Blessings (a prayer shawl ministry), Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes, and the Food Fellowship Group.