Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, and welcome to the web site of
Historic Trinity Lutheran Church of the City of Reading.
I was called in August, 2003 to serve as Trinity's Pastor and am honored to serve this venerable institution as it continues to be a dynamic congregation in the service of our Lord and Savior.
This is a great time to be part of Trinity! We are currently writing the next chapter of this congregation's long and storied history. In addition to offering enriching worship and educational opportunities, Trinity is also engaged in a comprehensive Mission and Vision process that will help define and renew the scope and focus of key initiatives in the coming years.
 Trinity Lutheran Church was founded in 1751 as the first Lutheran Church in the City of Reading. Founded by Henry Melchoir Muhlenburg as a congregation of the “Ministerium of Pennsylvania,” it is now the “mother church” of the city of Reading, and an active, vital congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The present campus, occupying the half block between 6th and Church Streets on Washington, include a 1791 Church and an 1891 education complex, as well as “The Bard House,” a mid 19th-century manse presently used as the office complex for the parish, and formerly occupied as a parsonage.
The congregation's history is rich and remarkable. In two and a half centuries, its people and buildings have witnessed remarkable events and changes, both within and outside the church. A congregation whose records were kept in parchment books, by quill pens, now has its own web site. Horse drawn carriages that once delivered worshippers to Church on Washington Street have been replaced by the din of automobiles.
But what has not changed in this congregation's remarkable history has been the ceaseless, unchanging Gospel of Jesus Christ in which its people, its worship and its life have been grounded. The Lord who is “the same yesterday, today and forever” has been present through it all from Revolutionary War times, when the Church served as a hospital for fallen soldiers, to the present time, where this same church serves as a beacon of hope and love in the midst of the city.
Trinity's steeple, at one time, was the tallest structure in the state of Pennsylvania. No longer is it even the tallest structure in Reading but it still stands out prominently in the cityscape, still testifying as a bold witness to the love of Jesus Christ.
On Trinity Sunday, 2001, Trinity celebrated its 250th Anniversary and the completion of a sensitive restoration and renovation of our historic campus. We rededicated our building and ourselves to this vision of our future: That Trinity is a place where all people are welcomed, just as Christ himself welcomed all people.
We're glad for your interest in Trinity Church. Our worship times on Sunday morning, as well as other important information, are included on this web site.
One of the pastors would also be more than happy to meet with you to discuss your interest in Trinity.
On behalf of the People of Trinity, I thank you for your interest in this historic and dynamic congregation. May God richly bless and keep you in his love and care.
– Pr. Fred Opalinski |
