2221 N. Oak Lane
State College, PA 16803
Phone (814) 238-2024 Fax (814) 237-4678
- November 12, 1965—First service held
- June 20-July 1, 1966—First Vacation Church School
- November 13, 1965—Organization Day, constitution adopted and council authorized
- January 20, 1967—Rev. Harry E. Smyser selected as first pastor
- April 6, 1967—Title to church site accepted
- May 6, 1967—Ninety-five people attended luncheon for first confirmation class
- October 26, 1969—Groundbreaking for the new building
- September 27, 1970—Dedication of the current church building at 2221 North Oak Lane, with 130 people in attendance
- February 29, 1976—Rev. James M. Emerick began serving as Trinity’s second pastor
- February 14, 1988—Rev. Ronald C. Miller, Jr., began serving as Trinity’s third and current pastor
- August 8, 1993—Church renovation and expansion project began
Trinity Lutheran Church was officially organized as a mission congregation of The Lutheran Church in America in 1965. During the next year, the Rev. Harry E. Smyser, Jr., started the work of inviting people to worship and to learn about Christ. The congregation was dedicated on November 12, 1966. Pastor Smyser served as pastor of the congregation until May 1, 1975. He was succeeded by the Rev. James M. Emerick, who served from February 29, 1976 until June 14, 1987. The Rev. Ronald C. Miller, Jr., the present pastor, has served Trinity since February 14, 1988.
Initially, the congregation met in a rented “House Chapel” at 2197 North Oak Lane until the current building was dedicated for worship and educational ministry in September, 1970. As the church celebrated its 25th anniversary on November 10, 1991, plans were being made to embark on a building program to better serve its ever-expanding mission of ministry to God and to the community. On August 8, 1993, Trinity Lutheran Church began a renovation and expansion project.
The hexagonal design of the worship area gives us a feeling of closeness and warmth that reflects how the family of Trinity feels about each other and the Lord. Trinity Lutheran Church is a friendly community of believers learning together what it means to walk in faith, striving to be the body of Christ in a world of need, celebrating a vital Christian experience and welcoming all who seek the love, peace, and joy that are found in Jesus Christ.