During it's first year the congregation held services in a private residence. When they purchases land for their first church building in downtown Houston in the 400 block of Louisiana Street between Preston and Prairie Avenues, the congregation could not afford to construct a church building. In an unprecedented move, Trinity congregation appealed for aid from sister congregations throughout the synod. Contributions from Lutherans all over the country and from local citizens enabled plans for a church building to become a reality. The cornerstone for Trinity's first sanctuary was laid on August 1, 1880. Pastor Paul Roesener was the festival speaker. Pastor A. Wilder was the speaker for the afternoon service in the English language.

At the organizational meeting, the founding members decided that a Christian school should be established. Mr. Henry Nehrling served as the first teacher of Trinity Lutheran School (Deutsche-Englische Lutherische Schule, later known as German-English School). Classes were held at the same location where Sunday worship services were conducted. A school building (the money for its construction donated by Mr. C. Waegner) was built behind the sanctuary and dedicated on January 1, 1881.

Also in 1881, the congregation purchased land for Trinity Lutheran Cemetary (originally known as German Lutheran Cemetary) located one mile west of Trinity Lutheran Church. Interred in the cemetary are the remains of 411 sainted individuals including Dr. Oliver R. Harms and wife Bertha, teacher Emil Schultz and wife Emma, teacher L.O. Kasper and wife Emma, and other staff and members of Trinity. The cemetary is an active cemetary today maintained by Trinity Lutheran Church and it's volunteer sexton.

For 25 years the church on Louisiana Street served the congregation, but as Houston grew, so did the congregation. Church history indicates that the area around the church and school on Louisiana Street had become "disreputable". In April 1903, a 100' x 184' lot was purchased on Young Avenue (now known as Riesener Street) as a new location for the school. On September 6, 1903, a new one-story school building was completed and dedicated at 14 Riesener Street. On December 10, 1905, the congregation dedicated its new brick veneer sanctuary located next door to the school building at 12 Riesener Street. In 1922 the sanctuary was enlarged by adding 24 feet to the building and the interior of the church was remodeled. The rededication took place on August 27, 1922. Through the years, Trinity continued to purchase adjacent property, parcel by parcel, for school playground and parking, eventually owning from Riesener Street through to Houston Avenue, extending north to Washington Avenue.

In early 1906, Trinity invited the Synod to hold its convention in its new church building. The invitation was accepted and the convention was held February 14-20, 1906. The Texas District was organized in that convention. Rev. A.W. Kramer was elected president, Trinity's C.A. Waech, first vice-president, Rev. F. Wunderlich, second vice-president, and Mr. H.W. Lottman, as treasurer.

Trinity's pastors in the founding and early years served faithfully; however, illnesses, such as malaria, typhoid fever, and TB felled pastors and teachers alike. Pastors often taught school in the absence of a teacher in the classroom. Pastors accepted calls to other congregations quite often and teachers/vicars returned to the classroom to complete their education. All of the cirumstances shortened their ministry at Trinity. Questions over lodge membership and secret societies also provoked havoc within the congregation.

Trinity was blessed on April 5, 1908, when Pastor John W. Behnken, (Sr.) was installed as it's pastor. He began a 27-year calling to be Trinity's "shepherd". Under his guidance much growth and change was experienced. He was instrumental in conducting church services in English, discontinuing the use of German in the school, uniting the two Sunday Schools (one German, one English) using only English language, using the medium of radio to broadcast sermons, as well as having the church constitution translated from German to English. He was very "mission minded" and was instrumental in the establishment of the Mission Society in Houston. He was very respected by the membership and the community. The all resulted in his ultimate election to serve the Texas District and Synod in it's highest post.

In 1907, a talented teacher and administrator came to Trinity. Mr. L.O. Kasper worked tirelessly to have Trinity Lutheran School accredited, which allowed Trinity graduates to enter Houston public schools without additional examinations. He also convinced the congregation to eliminate tuition to the school. The changed Trinity from a "pay" school to a "free" school (terms used at that time). The enrollment grew from 37 students to 80. In 1910, the school building was enlarged to accommodate the growing enrollment and a second teacher, Mr. F. Helberg was called and served until February 1913. In the 1920's the 1910 enlarged school building was remodeled and updated.

On August 24, 1913, teacher Emil Schultz was called as teacher in the school. Mr. Schultz served Trinity for 49 years. He was prinicipal from 1917 until 1955, and continued teaching until his retirement in 1962. Mr. Schultz was named Prinicpal Emeritus on March 14, 1955.

English-German School. The entire school body of Trinity Lutheran School in 1914.

Trinity's distinction as the "Mother Church" attests to the mission effort under Pastor Behnken and the membership that constituted the nucleus of seven new mission congregations. The Houston congregations formed from Trinity's endeavors included: Bethany Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Messiah Lutheran Church, St. John Lutheran Church, St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. Peter Lutheran Church (San Pedro), and St. Matthew Lutheran Church. In addition, the ministry to the deaf in Houston was nurtured by Trinity and it's facilities were freely shared with that mission work for a number of years.

In 1933, Trinity dedicated its new brick school building. Unique for its time, it contained classrooms, library, restrooms, and Pastor's study on the first floor; three bowling lanes, kitchen, and lunchroom facilities along with shower facilities in the basement; and the second floor housed the gymnasium/auditorium with a large raised stage adn stage lighting equipment for plays and drama productions. The grand stage curtain was of maroon velvet and the changeable background scenes were beautifully painted in seasonal motifs. Many school plays and programs were presented on this stage. The gymnasium, one of only a few such facililties in Houston at the time, and since, hosted many basketball and volleyball games. The cheering supporters' voices resounded from the walls and floor in a continuous thunder.

In 1935, Pastor Behnken was elected president of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Trinity called Pastor Oliver R. Harms from Trinity Lutheran Church in Eden, Texas, as his successor. Once again, Trinity was blessed with a dynamic and dedicated leader. With the influx of workers in the war effort to the Houston area, and good economic conditions, Houston profited and so did Trinity with a growing membership. Since the 1905 sanctuary could no longer accommodate the number of worshippers, a building planning committee was formed in 1937. Because of the war effort and the City of Houston's indecision whether or not to designate Houston Avenue as a major expressway, building plans were put on hold. In 1946 it was decided to enter into a contract with Mr. Steinmeyer, an architect from St. Louis, Missouri, to begin drawing up plans for a new sanctuary. Mr Steinmeyer resigned from this assignment in 1952 and was replaced by the architechtural firm of Travis Broesche and Associates.

Dr. Oliver R. Harms. A "dynamic and dedicated leader", Harms assumed pastoral duties at Trinity, Houston in the mid-1930's.

On November 21, 1954, Trinity celebrated it's Diamond Anniversary and the dedication of its new sanctuary at 800 Houston Avenue. Seating approximately 600 worshippers (this seating capacity has diminished because of remodeling and alterations made to the nave), the Romanesque style structure with beautiful and unique stained glass windows depicting the apostles, prophets, and men of faith, the Holtcamp organ, a carillon of bells, and the 18 foot sculpture of Christ (Edward Galea, sculptor) on its facade each and together beckon worshippers into the Lord's house. On January 10, 1955, a contract was let to demolish the 1905 sanctuary for an additional parking area. Near the end of the 120th Anniversary celebration in 1999, the cornerstone from the 1905 church was found in the backyard of a home on Houston's near northside. It had been "lost" for 45 years and on December 5, 1999, it was donated and promptly returned to Trinity. Plans are being made to permanently display the cornerstone in Trinity's plaza area.

The new sanctuary built adjacent and joining the 1933 school building provided four additional classrooms. Following Mr. Schultz as principal of the school was Mr. Carl Aufdemberge 1955-1967, Mr. Harold Kieschnick 1967-1976, Mr. Ed Gallmeier 1976-1999, and Mr. Randy Einem 1999 to present. In 1970 Messiah Lutheran School joined Trinity in a cooperative effort and the school was renamed Trinity-Messiah Lutheran School. However, in 2002, Messiah elected to dissolve the cooperative effort and the school returned to its original name: Trinity Lutheran School.

Upon Dr. Harm's election to the full-time position of first vice-president of Synod, he preached his farewell sermon on August 30, 1959, and also celebrated 24 years as pastor at Trinity. In 1959, Dr. Oliver R. Harms and Dr. John W. Behnken, Sr. were each named Pastor Emeritus of Trinity Lutheran Church. Pastor Donald G. Black who had been installed as Assistant Pastor of Trinity in July 1958, accepted the call to become senior pastor of Trinity. He was installed on March 6, 1960, and has remained a faithful servant for 47 years. Pastor Black announced in early 1997 his intention of retirement or repositioning on his 65th birthday in December of 1997.

Pastor Richard Wagner accepted a call to Trinity in 1970. He had served Trinity as a vicar in 1951-1952 and was already well known by a large number of Trinity's congregants. Pastor Wagner served Trinity for 24 years retiring in 1994. He was named Pastor Emeritus upon his retirement.

Current Pastors. From left to right: Pastor Michael P. Dorn (2005 - present), Pastor David A. Leeland (2001 - present) and Pastor Donald G. Black (1958 - present).

The Behnken Memorial Fund was established in 1968 following the death of the beloved Dr. Behnken. After the death of Dr. Harms in 1980 the fund was renamed the Harms-Behnken Memorial Fund and from its inception has supported the works of missions including Missionary Merrell Wetzstein in Brazil, Missionary Dale Talsma in Nigeria, and presently Pastor David Londonberg in Sierra Leone/Liberia.

Trinity's support of it's young people entering the work of the church has been and continues to be outstanding. Scholarships are given to assist them in achieving their goals. Trinity has sent into the preaching and teaching field 51 Trinitarians many of whom received scholarship assistance. Trinity's Ladies Circle also has a scholarship program for Trinity youth who enter the work of the church.

Trinity has had a notable number of organists/choir directors through the years. Worshipers' participation in hymn singing has been encouraged by Trinity's pastors throughout its history. Trinity is a "singing church". Records indicate that Pastor Behnken sang in the choir and also directed, Emil Schultz was organist and choir director, Carl Halter, Oswald Mueller, Ruth Steltzer, Herbert Garske, M. Jackson Osborn, Rodney Schrank, Michael Held, and Metford Mountford, were talented individuals that led worship through music. Carla Barrows, our present organist continues this tradition. Since 1958, when 13 additional bells were added in the bell tower, Trinity has has a "true" carillon (25 bells) played regularly by the church organists and volunteer carilloneurs.

In 1990 Trinity adopted a new form of church government. Supplanting the constitution, Trinity is governed by a Structure of Ministry which provides, among other things, for general congregational assembly meetings during the year; commissions which plan and organize events under their specific areas of interest; and a Parish Planning Council which coordinates the work of the commissions. The structure also permits Trinity members who have reached the legal voting age in the State of Texas to vote on matters brought before the congregational assembly meetings.

In the 1980's and 1990's Trinity began planning for additional facilities. Three major fund raising campaigns were conducted. The Lottman property (renamed the Trinity Annex) at the corner of Washington and Houston Avenue was acquired and remodeled for additional classrooms and extended care for students before and after school. Trinity continued to purchase additional property adjacent to Trinity's campus and north of Washington Avenue. The Trade-Rite Appliance building was purchased and remodeled as a day care facility and dedicated in August 1994, as the Trinity Lutheran Children's Center. An additional building was purchased and remodeled as a youth facility named by the youth as the "Youthhouse".

In 1995 Pastor Brian Bestian was installed as Associate Pastor. Upon Pastor Black's expected retirement or repositioning, Pastor Bestian was called and installed as Senior Pastor of Trinity in 1998. Under his leadership, changes were made to the processes of Confirmation instruction, First Communion, and Communion procedure. Pastor Bestian accepted a call to a congregation in Fort Collins, Colorado in September 2002.

In September 1996, Trinity replaced the 1933 school building and the Trinity Annex with a new structure named the "Christian Life Center". It provides new facilities for the school, offices for the church staff, a gymnasium, weight room, meeting rooms, chapel, a spacious foyer entrance to the sanctuary nave, and other improvements.

On July 29, 2001, Pastor David Leeland was installed as Minister of Adult Ministries. Today he serves with Pastor Black who is Minister of Visitation and Care, and Pastor Michael Dorn, Senior Pastor. Pastor Dorn was installed at Trinity on February 27, 2005.

Trinity celebrated it's 125th Anniversary on November 9, 2004. The impending celebration of this monumental occasion was recognized on November 9, 2003, with the installation of the 125th Anniversary Committee. Beginning in January 2004, monthly special services were held. Sons of the congregation preached, including Pastor Ken Behnken in January, Pastor Keith Gravemill in March; Chaplain Michael Moreno USN in July; and Pastor William "Bill" Mitschke, Jr. in October. Also returning to our midst was Pastor David Londenberg preaching in February; Travis Hartjen DCE in August; and Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick in September. Pastor Richard Wagner Pastor Emeritus, and Dr. Oswald Hoffman preached the climactic November 14 services. Pastor Black preached the Easter message in April; and Pastor Leeland preached the Mother's Day message in May. Trinity was delighted to have Mr. Herbert Garske as the organ for the October worship service.

Two special honors were bestowed during the 125th year. On March 7, 2005, six teachers were honored for their dedication and service to Trinity for more than 25 years and were also named Faculty Emeritus. Present to receive their recognition were David Faszholz 29 years; Elizabeth Gallmeier 35 years; Edward Gallmeier 37 years; and Fred Witt, Jr. 41 years. Deceased teachers were represented by their daughters: Marie Mueller 33 years (daughter Mrs. Carolyn Wilke); and Emil Schultz 49 years (daughter Mrs. Dorothy Geyer). The second honor went to Mrs. Esther Lampp at the June service, who retired as Trinity's head nurse attendant after serving in that position for 45 years.

At the November 14th services, 120 members of Trinity were recognized for 60 or more years; and in attendance were 17 family members and descendants fo Trinity's founding fathers.

Any written church history must also acknowledge the dedicated church members who volunteered many hours of their time, talent, and treasure to the glory of God and for the well-being of their neighbor. Among those at Trinity that are remembered with fondness include Miss Emilie Hoop, a Sunday school teacher honored for more than 50 years of teaching in 1951 and continued thereafter; Miss Esther Jordan, a Sunday school teacher honored for 50 years of teaching in 1974 and continued thereafter, and in 1989 honored for her 65 years as a member of the church choir; and Mr. Cornelius Lottman, who served 50 years as an Elder at Trinity. Trinity is thankful for Mr. Robert Steuber who played the carillon for many years welcoming all to worship. He donated the practive clavier (keyboard) to Trinity for future generations to elarn the music of the tower bells.

Many, many more names could be added to this list of faithful servants who taught, loved, cared for, ministered to and assisted others in so many ways - serving for many years or for a few years - but diligently and without hesitation. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Banner Photo: The campus of Trinity Lutheran Church rests amid the skyline of downtown Houston.