Trinity Lutheran Church

Trinity Lutheran’s congregation began holding services in 1857, prior to its official organization in 1865. The early services were held in Adam Lachmann’s home and were conducted in German, for the benefit of the German speaking members. Later, services were held either in the Reister School or the Lachmann School, with the pastor from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids presiding. The pastor would stay in the community for several days to conduct religious education classes to the children. Traveling from Grand Rapids to Marne by train, the pastor walked from Marne to Lisbon, a distance of about 11 miles, to conduct services. Services were suspended during the winter months.

Rev. J. L. Daib began serving the congregation in 1863. With his help, the Missouri Synod officially recognized Trinity Lutheran Church on July 23, 1865. At this time their membership consisted of 14 families.

Rev. F. W. Schmitt accepted the call to Trinity Lutheran in 1867, becoming the first resident pastor, with the parsonage located in Lisbon. Church services were held in Lisbon where the congregation had purchased a house for Rev. Schmitt and his family.

Rev. Schmitt and members of the congregation began a search for land to build a church. They were looking for a parcel of land large enough to contain both the church building and a cemetery. Land, on Harding Street between 8^th and 16^th Avenues and owned by Michael Miller, was purchased because the parcel included enough land for both the church and cemetery.