Profile of a Patriot

Through the Lugar Energy Patriot, Senator Lugar profiles a student, professional, scholar, or member of the business community who has demonstrated leadership and initiative in taking concrete action to improve America's energy security. In addition to the profile posted here, individuals will receive a certificate designating them Lugar Energy Patriots, and a letter of congratulations.

Trinity English Lutheran Church
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne is the 23rd recipient of the Lugar Energy Patriot award.

“We are very excited to be named a Lugar Energy Patriot and for the exciting energy updates occurring within our church,” said Senior Pastor Fred Hasecke. “It is very humbling for our efforts to be recognized in such a powerful way by Senator Lugar.”

“It is just as important for us to have a church that meets the needs of its members, as it is for the church to be responsible in terms of the environment. Trinity English Lutheran Church is thankful for what God has given us and felt it only appropriate to give some back to Him through these energy-mindful improvements.”

The United States can diversify its energy portfolio and dramatically reduce threats to national security and the environment by using alternative electricity options such as: biomass, clean coal, geothermal, hydroelectric, solar, and wind. Trinity English Lutheran Church’s efforts are an important public demonstration of the potential for each of us to contribute to a more secure America. 

Beginning in 2008, Trinity English Lutheran Church embarked on many energy saving updates including geothermal systems and solar panels.

The church felt that they must be responsible stewards of the environment and maintain sensitivity to the growing energy crisis in this country.

Geothermal heat pumps use stable ground or water temperatures near the Earth's surface to control building temperatures above ground. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal heat pumps are the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control.

Trinity English Lutheran Church estimates that their geothermal units will pay for themselves within the next five years.

Energy efficient lighting, recycling, and reuse of existing church materials all work together to accomplish Trinity English Lutheran Church’s goal of being an energy example in their community.

“As Fort Wayne continues a downtown revitalization project, we wanted our renovation and expansion to enhance that effort,” said Hasecke. “Parkview Field has been a wonderful addition to the area, but there are buildings that have been here for decades, such as our church, that are being upgraded as well. We are hopeful that our leadership in terms of renovating with an energy mindset will ripple further into other revitalization projects downtown.”

Senator Lugar’s office recently met with members of the church regarding these new additions and the energy among them was electric.

The church community rallied to implement their shared vision. “This was really a bottom-up project,” said Hasecke. “We are blessed with architects, contractors, designers, and mechanics in our church and with their help we really were able to complete an energy responsible and energy efficient addition to our building.”

“We wanted to plant a seed of faith in our community,” said Jane Keltsch, church House Committee member. “It was important, obviously, for our church members to believe in incorporating these energy saving measures, but also for members of the community to appreciate and benefit from our efforts as well.”

Being an example for the community and a talking piece for local energy efficiency efforts was important from the start of the renovation process.

“We met with everyone who used this church to see exactly what they wanted in terms of a renovation and expansion,” said Keltsch. “The ideas on how to use any new land and what areas of the church should be renovated varied greatly. The one constant in every response was that whatever path we chose must enhance the downtown community and be energy efficient.”

“Since the renovation and energy upgrades started we have gotten a lot of feedback from not only our congregation but also our community,” said Bob Hobby, Director of Music. “Folks were very excited for another upgrade to occur in downtown Fort Wayne and the fact that it was accomplished in an energy efficient way sweetens the deal for everyone. With a new library, new ball park and more happening downtown we are proud to have done the right thing.”

Church members are bringing these energy efficient practices into their homes and workplaces.

“I’ve had many requests from local businesses and organizations that I work with to come and tour the church as other folks think about renovating with energy efficiency in mind,” said Cathy Waggoner, church Furnishing Committee member.

“It’s becoming a bit of a culture around our house,” said Hobby. “Purchasing energy efficient light bulbs and watching our waste are daily habits now—thanks to the efforts I’ve seen here at the church.”

“I mean, right here in Fort Wayne, Indiana, we are using energy from the sun and the earth to help run our facility. Perhaps ten years ago, people would have laughed at us—now it’s the responsible thing to do and we are proud to be a part of this evolution of thought in our society.”

Hubby agrees. He says that it is through small changes like those at Trinity English Lutheran Church that can help be the tipping point to encourage change in an entire city.

“This is something we think the entire community will benefit from,” said Hasecke. “As people hear about our upgrades we hope they will be inclined to implement energy upgrades in their own lives.”

Senator Lugar agrees. That is why we congratulate Trinity English Lutheran Church on being a Lugar Energy Patriot.