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.
Learn about the staff that continue to steward our mission forward.
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 HereChildren's Sunday School meets every Sunday Morning at 10:45 a.m. starting in Trinity's Choir room for music time, then the kids will go to classroom 202 (located on the second floor of the Parish House in the corner, behind the choir room) for a Bible Story and Lesson. New faces are always welcome!
Sunday, September 7th, Trinity kicked off the Church Sunday School Year with an all ages congregational Talent Show! We heard a variety of music, jokes, and a skit. A special thank you to all our performers and for those that attended, it was a great experience. For more photos, visit Trinity's FB page.
Families made a "prayer cross." located in Trinity's narthex. You are invited to write down a prayer on the colorful slips of paper beside the cross and then roll up your prayer and stick it in the "prayer cross" as a reminder that God is the answer to all our needs.
November 2, 2025
The study of presented by Mary and Tony Appplegate on C.S. Lewis's well read series, The Chronicles of Narnia continues. The Applegates will share their study of the books, take a deep dive into themes, good vs. evil, the purpose of the writer as the tale is told. Books will be provided. For all interested, the group will meet in the cafe at start of the education hour.....approximately 11am.
November 2, 2025
Faith Talk will continue our Lectionary Texts study – the worship texts for November 9, 2025
November 2, 2025
From The Reverend Adam Hamilton’s study of Moses. From Egypt to Mt. Sinai, the Nile to The Red Sea a forty year journey. Presented by Loren Good.
November 9, 2025
Tanya will share with us who was Henry Muhlenberg Jr. (the one who was pastor at Trinity)? Muhlenberg as a Lancaster Renaissance man. Should be very intersting.
November 9, 2025
Pastor Joel joins faith talk will be joining faith talk, a continuing conversation on Luther's Small Catechism - specifically The Lord's Supper.
November 16, 2025
We have a new Mission Statement. Now it's onto establishing our core values. We will share and ask you for input. Please plan to attend.
November 23, 2025
Well not quite Gulliver's but rather the travels of our nomadic Trinity worshipers. We have many in our flock that have traveled near and far. We'll see how many countries, states, provinces we collectively have visited and maybe hear some tales(mostly true)
November 30, 2025
Pastor Joel and the Worship and Music Small Group will set the table so that you can enjoy the Advent Season. It's more than just parties and concerts. A daily devotional, a weekly service, all in preparation for the coming of the Christ Child.
December 4, 2025
Beginning Thursday December 4th and continuting December 11 and 18, Holy Trinity will host an Advent Series focusing on three groups of characters from the Nativity story. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke alone recorded what we know of the Christ Child's birth. We'll talk about the Wise Men, The Angels, The Innkeeper and look to unravel the mystery a bit. We will meet in Fondersmith for a BYOD(bring your own dinner) and then at 7:00, begin worship. You are encouraged to take part and make this Advent Season an opportunity to grow in your faith and understanding.
December 7, 2025
We will meet in the chapel for forum December 7th with another presentation from Pastor Joel, Let's Listen and Let's Talk.
December 14, 2025
Trinity's children and youth will take to the stage and present the annual Christmas Pageant. Please plan to attend. We'll enjoy a cookie exchange during coffee fellowship that day as well.
December 21, 2025
Back by very popular demand........what has become a tradition of sorts, we'll gather after worship for a good ole time singalong of Christmas and Holiday favorites. Maybe you have a request? If so, contact Loren Good and we may be able to work it in amongst the selections. Bring yourselves and your hearty voice. No previous professional singing experience required.
December 28, 2025
Following our service of Lessons and Carols, we will meet in Fondersmith for a celebratory brunch. Please sign up by December 22nd so that we know how much food to prepare and how to set the tables. Food to be prepared by Trinity disciple, Brandon Clouser, a caterer.
