On August 15, 1882, the Danish Lutherans of Sleepy Eye were ready to establish their own congregation. At a duly called meeting, they voted to officially incorporate under the name of “Danish St. John’s Lutheran Church” of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. The name was changed to Trinity Lutheran Church in 1940. One of the first things they did was to build a parsonage. The small congregation met at the German Methodist Church until they were able to build the little white church on Walnut St and 3rd Avenue SW in 1897. The congregation remained small until after World War II when new businesses and new jobs brought young people to Sleepy Eye.
Under the leadership of Pastor A.V.Neve, who served from 1942-1956, the congregation grew in numbers and in grace from a loving God. Pastor Neve made an indelible mark on the congregation as he molded the members together and inspired them with the thought of building a new church. The way was prepared. On January 14, 1967, with the guidance of Pastor Joe Anderson, an inspired congregation voted to build a new church. Many members donated their laboring helping erect a beautiful edifice which was dedicated on July 12, 1959. A beautiful new parsonage was built in 1964. Again, this was accomplished with some volunteer labor.
During Pastor Carroll Bagaason’s ministry the need for more Sunday School rooms became acute, and the congregation began to lay plans for an education wing. In August of 1977, Pastor Ron Freimark was called to serve. A beautiful and functional addition was built and dedicated on September 30, 1979.
In 1990 the fellowship hall was remodeled, a new dishwasher, range, and warming oven was added to the kitchen. The basement level bathrooms were updated as well. About 1997 the sanctuary chancel area was remodeled to make it more accessible to the congregation. The communion railing was moved from the upper level to the pew level along with redecorating the area. This allowed space for a baby grand piano and the praise band.
In 2006 Pastor Keith Ainsley was called to serve our congreation In January 2011 the congregation voted to build a drive-up, elevator, a handicap accessible bathroom, and new landscaping. Construction started in October of 2011 and completed in the summer of 2012. Dedication of the Welcome Project was on September 9, 2012.
Our current pastor, Dave Nissen has served our congregation since December of 2024.
Under the leadership of Pastor A.V.Neve, who served from 1942-1956, the congregation grew in numbers and in grace from a loving God. Pastor Neve made an indelible mark on the congregation as he molded the members together and inspired them with the thought of building a new church. The way was prepared. On January 14, 1967, with the guidance of Pastor Joe Anderson, an inspired congregation voted to build a new church. Many members donated their laboring helping erect a beautiful edifice which was dedicated on July 12, 1959. A beautiful new parsonage was built in 1964. Again, this was accomplished with some volunteer labor.
During Pastor Carroll Bagaason’s ministry the need for more Sunday School rooms became acute, and the congregation began to lay plans for an education wing. In August of 1977, Pastor Ron Freimark was called to serve. A beautiful and functional addition was built and dedicated on September 30, 1979.
In 1990 the fellowship hall was remodeled, a new dishwasher, range, and warming oven was added to the kitchen. The basement level bathrooms were updated as well. About 1997 the sanctuary chancel area was remodeled to make it more accessible to the congregation. The communion railing was moved from the upper level to the pew level along with redecorating the area. This allowed space for a baby grand piano and the praise band.
In 2006 Pastor Keith Ainsley was called to serve our congreation In January 2011 the congregation voted to build a drive-up, elevator, a handicap accessible bathroom, and new landscaping. Construction started in October of 2011 and completed in the summer of 2012. Dedication of the Welcome Project was on September 9, 2012.
Our current pastor, Dave Nissen has served our congregation since December of 2024.