Trinity Youth Journey Through Holy Week
Sunday School children heard the stories of Palm Sunday, Jesus Cleansing the Temple, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday with crafts and activities that supported each story!
In the later part of the 18th century there was suddenly a wave of interest and pride in the building of church steeples. After much discussion, the vestry at Holy Trinity decided to undertake the construction of a steeple provided that the necessary funds could be raised. The cost was estimated at 1500 pounds. A subscription list was drawn up and the pastor and elders visited the people, securing 210 liberal subscriptions. Given the commitment to finance the project, work on the foundation began in 1785. The walls were seven feet in thickness and, in places, seventeen feet in depth. By the following year, the height had reached 86 feet and the cost at this point reached an alarming 1100 pounds.
On December 1, 1791, an agreement was reached with two Philadelphia carpenters to continue with the construction. From this point, construction progressed rapidly. To help fund the remaining work, the Pennsylvania legislature was petitioned for a permit to allow the congregation to run a lottery. The lottery was a success, and the project was completed on December 8, 1794. The height is 195 feet, just 20 inches shorter than the steeple on Christ Church, Philadelphia.
No documents can be found as to who carved the original statues of the four apostles that were placed on the tower. It is assumed that they came from Philadelphia, and that they were made by a sculptor who was skilled at carving figureheads used on ships built there in the late eighteenth century. The National Park Service suggests they may be the oldest use of figureheads for an ecclesiastical purpose in this country. These statues were removed after 154 years due to wood deterioration. They were repaired with plaster, painted, and now rest in the church narthex. New wood statues were carved and placed in 1950.
Trinity has had a series of bells over the years. The present set of eight were made in Sheffield, England in 1861, and are of cast steel, perhaps the only remaining cast steel bells in this country. They are in the key of E, and weigh 7705 pounds. Fitting into this range is one bell cast in London in 1768. This bell was probably used in Trinity’s original stone church, located where our parish house now stands.
In 1927, John Lippold wrote in the booklet, “Old Trinity”:
“It stands a monument without precedent or parallel to that period in early American architecture, of transition from the necessary crude, but substantial, to the decorative and ornamental, when craftsmen vied with each other to produce the beautiful. As one generation planted its base on solid rock, firm and substantial, a succeeding generation completed its beautiful spire, and the descendants of its builders still assist to maintain and preserve it.”
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 HereSunday School children heard the stories of Palm Sunday, Jesus Cleansing the Temple, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday with crafts and activities that supported each story!
For the third Sunday in Lent, Trinity enjoyed a special prelude to our service performed by youth under the direction of Joyce Gundrum
After worship March 30th, we gathered in Fondersmith Auditorium to stuff eggs for the upcoming community Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 19th.
May 16, 2025
Holy Trinity will host the annual MLK Scholarship Awards program again in 2025. It is expected that Lancaster School District graduates will collectively receive more than $300,000 in scholarship funds for continuing education.
May 18, 2025
Summer Family Prayer Time. Trinity's Last Day of Sunday School and Confirmation for the program year is Sunday, May 18th. However, over the summer Trinity Families are invited to join Rachel in the cafe at 11:00 am for Summer Family Prayer Time on the 2nd Sunday of the summer months: June 8th, July 13th, and August 10th. We'll be studying the Lord's Prayer - why do we say it every Sunday and what does it mean?
May 18, 2025
TBD....no, not to be determined. Our presentation today challenges you To Be A Disciple. TBD.....from the worship and music small group.
May 18, 2025
The Study of The Gospel of Matthew continues with Chapters 21 and 22.
May 25, 2025
We will have our first of the season Lemonade on the Lawn event in lieu of forum(if inclement weather, we'll change the theme to "crumbled cookies on the carpet" in Fondersmith) Please plan to join us after worship in front of the Parish House.
May 25, 2025
The study of Matthew's Gospel continues.
June 1, 2025
It being the first Sunday of the month, Faith Talk teaching is Luther’s Small Catechism – this month, The Apostle's Creed – Article III
June 1, 2025
A very special presentation from author Beth Oberholtzer on her recently published book: "Amish Weddings, from Courtship to Celebration".
June 6, 2025
"Everyone is welcome to the Holy Trinity Lutheran corn hole tournament Friday, June 6th. Please arrive at 5:00 pm to sign up your team for this casual family game. The tournament will get underway at 5:15 pm. There will also be some other kid friendly entertainment (i.e. sidewalk chalk, bubbles, maybe water balloons). Around 6:00 pm, please join us for refreshments! Bring your friends, neighbors, and a lawn chair!"
June 8, 2025
Recognition and getting to know our new vestry members elected by the congregation.
June 10, 2025
Tuesday evenings beginning June 10th from 5:45 pm to 8:00 pm join Holy Trinity and Grace Lutheran as we travel to Babylon during Bible-times. We'll explore what life was like for a man named Daniel and his friends as captives in a strange land. You'll make cool crafts, laugh while you play Bible-time games, hear epic stories, and eat some interesting snacks! Holy Trinity will host the adventure on Tuesday, June 10th, June 24th, and July 8th. Grace Lutheran will host on Tuesday, June 17th, July 1st, and July 15th. Parking is available in the parking lot of Trinity Lutheran Church at 31 South Duke Street, Lancaster. On the night's Grace Lutheran host's a shuttle bus will pick up Babylon travelers at 5:30 pm in Trinity's Parking lot. For more information please reference our "children's" page located under the Learn taskbar.
June 22, 2025
Let's listen and talk with one Another. The first of what is intended to be a series. Pastor Joel will address a topic, and then we'll have dialogue on that topic.
June 29, 2025
A good ole sing along. After worship we'll gather in the auditorium and share our gift of song and laughter. For those with theater ready voice, or those that are better off whistling, plan to be part of this experience led by Chris Prestia.