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About Holy Trinity Church

A History of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Two years before the birth of George Washington and 46 years before the Declaration of Independence, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church was a worshiping congregation. Formally organized in 1730 with its first baptism recorded on May 4th of that year, Holy Trinity Church is the oldest church in Lancaster and one of the oldest in Pennsylvania.

View our Historic Trinity video here:

And, in July of 2024, The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution(NSSAR) held their annual convention in Lancaster PA and Holy Trinity hosted the Memorial Service.   View that video here:

The congregation worshiped in a small stone church on Duke and Cumberland streets for 30 years. Construction of the present building began in 1761. In 1766, the new church was dedicated with Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, the patriarch of the Lutheran Church in America, officiating.

During the Revolutionary War, Civil War, two World Wars, the Cold War people came here to worship.  To find hope and peace during the conflict and fear.  To this day, Holy Trinity Lutheran is a living church – recognizing God’s goodness in yesteryear, the hearty expectation of God’s blessings in the present, and the confidence in God’s strength for the future.

Who We Are

Understand the people and drive behind Holy Trinity Church.

Learn about who we are

Staff of Holy Trinity Church

Learn about the staff that continue to steward our mission forward.

Learn about our staff

Steeple and Maintenance

Learn about the deep history of our church.

Learn about our church

Make a Gift to Support Our Mission

At Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, we believe and teach that all we have is a Gift from God. As good stewards of these gifts, we share as we are able with sacrifice and gratitude.Through our generosity we can express our Love, Faith and Thanksgiving. As the Psalmist writes: “The Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” (Psalms 24.1)

Consider Giving Here

Family News


The Annual Holy Trinity Soup-er Bowl Party

After worship we gathered in Fondersmith Auditorium to sample 14 different soup recipes prepared by Trinity Disciples. We played some Super Bowl Trivia and gathered non-perishable food items for the Food Hub.

Christmas Eve 2026

Organist and Choirmaster Chris Prestia singing "O Holy Night" accompanied by Joyce Gundrum

Christmas Tree Decorating Party

Trinity is now selling ELCA Good Gifts. Make your Christmas shopping special by giving a gift that fights hunger and poverty around the globe! Check out our ELCA Good Gift trees to see what we’re selling. The trees were decorated by some of Trinity’s Sunday School and Confirmation kids.

Upcoming Events


March 5, 2026

Mid Week Lenten Series

Holy Trinity is offering a series of Lenten studies to be held each Thursday. For this year, Pastor Joel and Loren Good will teach on five different chapters from the Book of Psalms. We will begin with a meal at 6:00 followed by worship at 7:00. You are encouraged to attend as you are able. All activities will take place in Fondersmith Auditorium.

March 6, 2026

First Friday at Holy Trinity

The bells ring at 5:00 followed by a short organ concert. At 5:30, Silvia Cavenaugh will share a .message about Black Women's History. These events take place in Trinity's sanctuary. At 6:00 we'll offer historical tours and enjoy refreshments across the alley in the Trinity cafe.

March 8, 2026

Adult Forum – Ukraine/Russia Conflict Part I

“Divided at the Heart: Spiritual and Cultural Dimensions of the Russia / Ukraine Conflict”. With Pen Hoover Part I.

March 8, 2026

Faith Talk after worship in the library and via zoom

We continue with the Book of Romans, Chapter 7.

March 14, 2026

Gettysburg College Choir

On tour, celebrating their 90th anniversary, the choir will perform in Trinity's sanctuary beginning at 4:00pm. No admission, and parking is free in our lot. Come and enjoy the show.

March 15, 2026

Adult Forum – The Ukraine/Russia Conflict Part II

“Divided at the Heart: Spiritual and Cultural Dimensions of the Russia / Ukraine Conflict”. With Pen Hoover Part II

March 15, 2026

Faith Talk after worship in the library and via zoom

We continue with the Book of Romans, Chapter 8.

March 15, 2026

Prayer Vigil

Prayers for healing in our nation, organized by the Lancaster Friends Meeting. will meet at Holy Trinity beginning at 4:00pm in the sanctuary.

March 22, 2026

Faith Talk after worship in the library and via zoom

We dontinue with the Book of Romans, chapter 9.

March 22, 2026

Adult Forum – Galations Part I

Dr. Greg Carey joins us for a two part series on Paul's Epistle.

March 29, 2026

Faith Talk after worship in the library and via zoom

We continue with the Book of Romans, chapter 10.

March 29, 2026

Adult Forum – Galatians Part II

Dr. Greg Carey completes the two part series on Galatians.

April 2, 2026

Maundy Thursday

We will worship in Fondersmith at 7:00pm, communion is served.

April 3, 2026

Good Friday

We will have two services. At 12 noon in the chapel. At 7:00pm, a Tenebrae service in the Sanctuary.

April 4, 2026

Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt

Festivities begin in Fondersmith at 10:00am. Bring an Easter Basket to collect your eggs.

April 5, 2026

Adult Forum

Easter Sunday, no adult forum scheduled.

April 12, 2026

Adult Forum

So we had Easter, now what? A presentation by Loren Good.

April 19, 2026

Adult Forum – Breakfast Fellowship Updates

Cathy Dobish, Tim Wentworth, Doug Frazer will share the continuing growth of this ministry

April 26, 2026

Adult Forum – Report from the Vestry

After worship we will gather in Fondersmith for a meal followed by the annual report from the vestry to the congregation.

May 3, 2026

Adult Forum – Dementia

Dawn Hippensteel, Clinical Nurse Specialist- Gerontology at UPMC Pinnacle will share with us the signs of dementia, caregiving for people living with dementia, and types of dementia.

May 17, 2026

Adult Forum – confirmation lessons

Our confirmands will talk with us about their classes, what it's meant to them. Pastor Joel will share some thoughts as well.

May 24, 2026

Lemonade on the Lawn

Celbrating Confirmation Sunday, we will gather on the lawn after worship for Lemonade, lite food and conversation. If it rains, we'll go inside and crumble cookies on the carpet(HA)

May 30, 2026

Lancaster British Brass Band

You are all in for a treat. Well known, and well loved, the 31 person Lancaster British Brass Band will fill Holy Trinity's Sanctuary with musical art. A truly inspiring and "goosebumpy" experience. The concert begins at 4:00pm.