How often do you find a church that’s both a haven of faith and a film star? Holy Trinity Lutheran Church stands here. It is at 3 West 65th Street. Holy Trinity is more than just a beautiful building. It’s a place with a unique history and a vibrant present.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The church stands proudly in Manhattan’s Upper West Side neighborhood. Its location within the Central Park West Historic District adds to its prestige.
Let’s step back in time. The congregation started in 1868. It was after a split from St. James’s Lutheran Church. Interestingly, Holy Trinity was one of the few English-speaking Lutheran churches around. Most New York Lutherans spoke German then.
Construction of the current Holy Trinity Lutheran Church began in 1902. It finished in 1904. The cost was about $350,000. Schickel & Ditmars designed it. This firm was known for its Roman Catholic commissions. The New York Times compared it to La Sainte Chapelle in Paris.
The building is mainly steel. This includes its towers. Green marble columns support the roof. Sunlight streams through stained glass windows. One of the first windows was The Second Coming of Christ. Tiffany Studios created it.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is known for its Bach Vespers series. It began in 1968. It was the first place in America to regularly perform Bach’s cantatas on their designated days. The Holy Trinity Parish Choir also records hymns.
The church has a heart for service. It hosts a soup kitchen. This supports people with AIDS and other diseases. Holy Trinity welcomes everyone. This includes all sexual orientations and races.
But there’s more to the story. Holy Trinity has appeared in movies. Remember the 1984 film Ghostbusters? The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man steps on Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Peter Venkman shouts. He says “Nobody steps on a church in my town.” In the 1970 film The Out-of-Towners, a couple seeks solace here.
The church’s architecture draws inspiration from 13th-century Gothic designs. Its copper spire is a signature feature. The rose window and red doors add to its charm.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church holds weekly Mass on Sunday mornings. It celebrates about 75 liturgies each year. These include church festivals and Bach Vespers. The services blend ancient traditions with contemporary themes.
Now picture this: the sounds of the Holy Trinity Parish Choir fill the air. Their voices blend in perfect harmony. The organ music resonates. The scent of incense drifts through the sanctuary. All are welcome here at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. It is a beacon of faith and community.