Trinity Church Honors Decades of Service by Russ Delauter and Tootie Lenhart

Members of Trinity Church recently gathered at Mountain Gate Restaurant to celebrate and recognize two individuals whose dedication, hard work, and leadership helped shape one of the church’s most successful fundraising traditions: Russ Delauter and Tootie Lenhart.

Susan Clabaugh, a longtime friend and fellow volunteer, reflected on the pair’s remarkable contributions, which began nearly five decades ago.

The story dates back to 1979 when church members were discussing ways to raise funds during Thurmont’s Colorfest celebration. While bake sales and white elephant sales had traditionally been organized by church women, Delauter suggested that the men contribute by making crab soup. After church that day, only two people volunteered to help him—Donnie Elower and Clabaugh.

The trio headed to the church basement kitchen, where they faced their first challenges: figuring out how to turn on the gas stove and deciding which recipe to use. Delauter carried one in his wallet, while Franklin had one memorized. Combining the two recipes, they set to work.

“What started as an experiment quickly became a tradition,” Clabaugh recalled.

Over the years, the menu expanded far beyond crab soup, eventually including bean soup, chicken corn soup, and many other popular offerings. As the event grew, so did the number of volunteers who pitched in to help.

Among those volunteers was Tootie Lenhart.

While Lenhart had always been involved, her role grew significantly after retiring from her position at the local high school. Lenhart continually introduced new menu items and ideas, helping transform the church’s Colorfest kitchen into a destination for visitors from throughout the region. Her homemade cakes and pies became crowd favorites, drawing customers back year after year.

“No one could have worked harder or given more of their time than Tootie,” Clabaugh said. “She was always willing to do whatever was needed.”

As the years passed and some longtime volunteers were no longer able to help, Delauter found creative ways to recruit new workers. Volunteers came from neighboring communities, local farms, and even as far away as Germany and Texas. What began as a fundraiser evolved into a close-knit community of friendships that spanned generations.

Together, Delauter and Lenhart developed a reputation not only for their hard work but also for the joy they brought to every task.

While their efforts generated significant financial support for Trinity Church over the decades, those who know them say their greatest contribution was the spirit of service they inspired in others.

“Whenever you look at pictures of Russ and Tootie, they’re smiling,” Franklin said. “That’s the way it was. They showed what can be accomplished when people put their hearts into something.”

As Trinity Church reflects on years of successful fundraisers and cherished memories, members expressed their gratitude to Delauter, Lenhart, and the countless volunteers who worked alongside them.

Members of Trinity Church gather to recognize Russ Delauter and Tootie Lenhart’s extensive service and dedication to the church.

Framed photograph of Tootie Lenhart and Russ Delauter.