Historic Trinity Lutheran Church

Historic Trinity Lutheran Church was founded in 1850 as the first Missouri Synod Lutheran Church in Detroit. Historic Trinity Church soon became the Mother Church of Detroit Lutheranism as She began thirteen mission congregations throughout the City of Detroit that eventually grew to 132 different Lutheran parishes.

Historic Trinity Church became the early cathedral church for Lutherans as they gathered for special worship services, and to organize such Lutheran institutions as the Lutheran School for the Deaf, the Detroit Lutheran Radio Program, the Lutheran High School Association, Valparaiso University, the Lutheran Cemetery, and the Lutheran Fraternities of America.

Historic Trinity Church began in a wooden frame chapel on Larned St. In 1866, at the present site of Gratiot and Rivard, a large red brick church was dedicated. In 1931 the present architecturally excellent church facility was built with only the finest materials and craftsmanship. The finest in liturgical art can be found in Historic Trinity's stone, glass, wood, tile and brass. Its style is 16th century Pier and Clerestory Gothic, similar to that seen only in the great cathedrals of Europe. Today Historic Trinity Lutheran Church is a National, State and Local Historic Designated Site.

In keeping with its rich historical past, Historic Trinity Lutheran Church conducts worship services in the traditional Lutheran liturgy, providing the finest in preaching, superb teaching, and inspiring music. The cathedral serves as rallying place for Special Worship Services for individuals from throughout Metropolitan Detroit. Many sons and daughters and friends of this significant parish appreciate the opportunity to "journey home" to Historic Trinity. Today, Historic Trinity Lutheran Church is the fastest growing church in downtown Detroit. Click here to gain more information on the History of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church.

Historic Trinity Inc.

An extension of the programs and ministry of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church is carried out by Historic Trinity, Inc., a Michigan non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. Leading citizens from the Detroit Metropolitan area serve as the Board of Directors of Historic Trinity Inc. They meet on a regular basis to assist Trinity in becoming a true ecclesiastical, cultural, community resource for metropolitan Detroit.

Downtown church facilities throughout America are faced with the challenge of redefining their role, obtaining support and developing programs as they move into the 21st century. Historic Trinity has become a role model for all of America.

Historic Trinity Inc. supervises the restoration and renovation of this historic cathedral so that future generations may share in this artistic, architectural treasure. It funds and operates the many outreach programs to the community. They are in the forefront of creating, experimenting, and developing cutting edge urban ministries for the next century. Collectively, they discuss, plan and create the innovative programs and ministries of Historic Trinity.

Dau Church History Library

The Dau Church History Library of Historic Trinity is collecting materials on each past and present churches in the City of Detroit. Here history scholars, students and historians gather to research and compile the history of Detroit churches of all denominations. The Dau Church History Library is an emerging collection of histories, photos, maps, videos, artifacts, and oral histories of these Detroit churches. The Dau Church History Library, housed on the third floor of Otte Hall of Historic Trinity, is fast becoming the center for church history and preservation. The library works in close cooperation with other historical libraries and institutes.

We do not have the resources to do geneology research.

Senior Citizen Outreach

Historic Trinity's Senior Citizens Outreach program of Historic Trinity Inc. strives to meet the emotional, physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of Senior Citizens in downtown Detroit. The staff and volunteers work to provide services that will enhance the quality of the lives of senior residents. Senior citizens who move into the many Senior Hi-Rise Buildings often shut themselves in their small apartments, leaving their secure environment only for the absolute necessities. In many ways these senior citizens have put themselves in "storage" in these Hi-Rise "warehouses". The staff, parish members and volunteers of Historic Trinity reach out with love and concern through a variety of programs to activate and motivate these senior citizens.

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