HISTORY OF TRINITY

(Formerly the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Peter)
First English Evangelical Lutheran Church
Founding Date - April 24, 1892

"Whereas, there are no Lutheran services in the English language in the city, except those held every alternate Sunday in the evening during the college school year in the Swedish church, and these services do not appear to meet the wants of Lutherans in and around the city, therefore,

We, the undersigned, think it is advisable and necessary for the welfare of the English speaking Lutherans and the future Lutheran church of this city, that English Lutheran services be held every Lord's day morning, if possible.

Resolved, that we here present do now organize ourselves into an English Evangelical Lutheran congregation; and that the name of this congregation shall be known as First English Lutheran Church of St. Peter....."

Historical Sketch

1893 The Sunday School held its first picnic at Lake Emily, an outing for the whole congregation with fully 200 present 
1895 At the first formal meeting it was decided to build a church 
1896 Original church completed with 175 total membership; 61 confirmed; 140 in Sunday School. Entire cost: $4,000. 
1900 The new century begun with ringing bells and shooting guns, was one of the most prosperous of all the nine years of the history of the congregation with 200 enrolled in Sunday School; 40 in Ladies' Aid; 232 total confirmed members. 
1916 The congregation changed its constitution so as to permit its women to vote in all church affairs, "a progressive step." 
1932 The original church, enlarged and remodeled, was dedicated. Entire cost: $12,759.89. 
1936 Church name changed to Trinity Lutheran Church. 
1939 Church steeple removed. 
1943 Trinity congregation declared its parish "debt-free" and the mortgage was officially burned with 500 adult members, 100 in Sunday school. 
1955 Parish hall built. 
1988 Old church was razed for ground breaking of new church. 
1989 Present church was dedicated. Entire cost: $1,002,412.00. 
1998 Tornado strikes city of St. Peter with Trinity damaged, but left standing. 
1999 Trinity's renovation and new addition are completed leaving a cost of approximately $475,000 after insurance coverage. "Lift the High Cross" campaign was implemented to obtain funds for the present and future needs of our growing congregation. The faith community has prospered to 1,591 confirmed members and 190 in Sunday School.