Founders

Trinity German Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1839 by Saxon immigrants, who settled in St. Louis and in small communities of Perry County, MO. They abandoned the oppressive state church in the Old World for the promise of a confessional Lutheran church and community in the New World. Though their utopian vision suffered setbacks in Perry County, Rev. C.F.W. Walther (photo) returned to St. Louis to pastor those who had stayed in the city, founding a school and church here, along with a seminary.

VIDEO: Historic Trinity Lutheran's Origins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtkJBzjxMDU&feature=related

Under Walther Trinity began a "publishing house" and Der Lutheraner newspaper, through which like-minded Lutheran congregations around the mid-west were brought together to form the “Joint Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States,” with Walther as President in 1848. Today (Concordia) Publishing House, Concordia seminary, and today's “The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod” continue as does Trinity itself.

And 2011 marks the bicentennial year of Dr. Walther's birth, making this year a great time to visit his parish, see Walther's pulpit and leave with a memento of your visit!

Mission

Today Historic Trinity Lutheran Church is a diverse, caring and welcoming Christian community adjacent to downtown St. Louis and serving the entire metro area. We celebrate and demonstrate our faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ through inspiring worship and study, daily service to our neighborhood’s homeless men and needy families, support of urban elementary Lutheran education, and mission outreach here and through mission trips abroad.

Cathedral Ministry

Trinity thinks of itself as a “cathedral ministry.” We are the “mother church” of many of St. Louis’s congregations. Trinity remains open to all Lutherans, serves the downtown community, and welcomes visitors and those in need. We are a growing membership, diverse in background, geography and income, interests and orientation. Trinity is not interested in status or self-preservation but in finding ways to be a blessing to its community and each other. Trinity is a founding member of the Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches.

Worship

Christ has promised to be present where we are gathered in his name. In response, we come together as a family of believers to joyfully praise and receive God through Word, Sacrament, prayer and music.

Mutual Support

God created us to be in relationship with God and with each other. We therefore love, serve, forgive and support our fellow brothers and sisters in the Trinity family and beyond.

Community Ministries

Christ led by example in speaking God's Word and loving and serving others. So, inspired by the Holy Spirit and following Christ, we share the Good News, promote justice, care for God's creation and serve our neighborhood, the community and the world.

Inclusion

Out of great love, God created all people in God's Image. Because God loves us, we celebrate the rich diversity of God's creation and are intentionally inclusive in embracing all people in everything we do.