First Trinity Lutheran Church

A beacon of faith in the heart of D.C., First Trinity Lutheran Church has witnessed the city’s transformation since 1851. First Trinity Lutheran Church members have always focused on their faith and community outreach. They strive to encourage and support everyone on their spiritual path. Originally named Trinity German Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, First Trinity began with a group seeking a different spiritual home. They first gathered at Temperance Hall. In 1857, they dedicated a new building at 4th and E Streets NW. The land had been a bargain, purchased in 1852 for just $1,062.60. First Trinity Lutheran Church initially held services in German. Over time, groups formed within the church seeking English services. These groups eventually established Grace Lutheran Church in 1876 and Christ Lutheran Church in 1892. First Trinity itself began offering English services on Sunday evenings in 1898. First Trinity Lutheran Church also planted seeds of faith in other communities. They established Trinity in Mount Rainier, Maryland, in 1934 and Bethlehem in Southeast Washington in 1942. Their family tree now boasts 38 congregations. While many congregations moved to the suburbs, First Trinity Lutheran Church chose to remain downtown. They rebuilt and dedicated their current building in 1959. Originally part of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, First Trinity joined the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in 1977. They held concurrent membership in both until 2000. That same year, they renovated their worship space. Today, it continues to host weekly services, special events, concerts, and community gatherings. First Trinity Lutheran Church also partnered with St. Matthew Lutheran Church in 2010, sharing their space while St. Matthew’s site was under redevelopment. Though St. Matthew has returned to their own building, the two churches remain connected. Today, First Trinity Lutheran Church welcomes everyone. They continue their mission of loving and serving their neighbors. They offer inspirational worship, prayer, and selfless service. They embrace their history. They continue to evolve, standing as a testament to God’s love in the nation’s capital.