Mission & History

In 1957 there was no Lutheran Church in St. Francis; however, the circuit pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Elk River, felt a study should be conducted in the St. Francis area for a possible mission station. The mission committee of St. John, Elk River, canvassed the community and concluded that a mission should be considered. Through their efforts, on April 3, 1960, the first Sunday School for Trinity was organized with twenty-three children in attendance. The old St. Francis High School was their place of worship. The first worship service followed on October 9, 1960. This also was held in the old High School. With God’s help, progress was being made and on April 23, 1961, the Dedication Service of the St. John’s Lutheran Chapel was conducted in its own building, which was built by the Minnesota South District. That building is now the current parsonage.

The growth continued and in January, 1963, Trinity Lutheran Church, member of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod was organized. Incorporation took place on February 10, 1963, with 34 communicant members.

God was surely blessing Trinity. By 1964, the worship area was full and with less than a $5,000 budget, the thoughts turned to building a church. The district had purchased 2 acres for the chapel site. In addition to this, the congregation purchased 2 more adjoining acres and then requested aid from the Minnesota South District in order to construct the church. With help granted, Trinity’s church was dedicated November 15, 1968, with 88 communicant members. With the new facilities and a first resident pastor in 1969, Trinity was rapidly growing.

In 1972, the congregation purchased 4 more acres south of the church, for now there was a need for an educational wing. On September 9, 1973, only five years after the dedication of the church, the education wing was dedicated and a Nursery School Program opened for children three to five years of age. At this time Trinity numbered 485 communicant members. Trinity continued as a mission church until June 1975.

In November, 1979, Trinity voted to open a Lutheran Day School with grades Kindergarten through eight. The Principal and staff were secured and in August of 1980 the doors of Trinity Lutheran School were opened.

In 1983, construction of an addition to the education wing was completed, more than doubling its size, so that the Sunday school and school had more facilities for Christian education.

In 1984, Trinity Lutheran Church voted to open the school to families in the community who are not members of Trinity Lutheran Church, but desire a Christian education for their children.

In 2000, construction of a new worship facility, family center (gymnasium and kitchen area), two small rooms, and updating of existing facilities was started.