Trinity Lutheran was organized and built in 1883 when the area was known as Friedens Au. Missionary-at-large, Rev. John J. Trinklein, was our first pastor while also serving about six other central Texas congregations he had planted.

This meant that his early years in Texas were filled with travel – testified by the fact that the president of the Houston & Texas Central Railroad gave him a free pass, knowing that towns grew up around the church congregations.

Firmly established, the first full-time pastor was called and ordained at Trinity in September 1884. Rev. F. Wunderlich, a native Texan, believed in the value of a Christian education, so a room was added to the back of the church building to accommodate the growing number of students at Trinity’s parochial school.

Planning for a second church building began in 1891 due to continued growth. It was much larger with a beautiful spire steeple that was visible for miles. Unfortunately, only six months after being built, a violent windstorm completely destroyed the church in May 1892. Almost overnight, a third church with a similar design was built in which Pastor Wunderlich preached until 1904.

This is a brief snapshot of our illustrious history. Our humble beginnings led to several new congregations in Waco, Mart and Marlin. Our current church was dedicated to the service of the Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Ghost – on December 19, 1937.

It is interesting to note that on that day of dedication, the main morning service was conducted in German, with an English service that afternoon at 3PM.

On our 125th Anniversary, June 15, 2008, our 10:00 A.M. service will be conducted in English, with the Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick preaching. Rev. Kieschnick is the current President of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and a past President of the Texas District of the LCMS.

At 3:00 PM that afternoon, Rev. Eldor Harmann, emeritus and vacancy pastor at Grace, Mart, will be officiating and preaching in a German service. Rev. Harold Heckmann who is the son of Rev. E.A. Heckmann who served the congregation from 1926 thru 1946 will assist him.

SCHEDULE OF 125TH ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES

8:30 a.m. \
Continental Breakfast with fellowship and Sunday School

10:00 a.m.
Worship – Divine Service with Holy Communion
Guest Speaker: Rev. Gerald Kieschnick, President, LCMS

12:00 p.m.
Barbeque Luncheon in the Parish Haus and church grounds (free-will offering to offset expenses)

3:00 p.m.
German Worship Service
Guest Speaker: Rev. Eldor J. Harmann, Emeritus, Woodway, TX
Assisting Minister: Rev. Harold Heckmann, Emeritus, Houston, TX

4:30 p.m.
Dessert Reception – Cake and punch