Since 1859, there has been a Lutheran congregation in Nicollet, MN. German immigrants who settled the area initially met in homes, then purchased a building in which to meet. After that group grew too widespread, it split into eastern and western halves. The western group eventually became Immanuel Lutheran Church in Courtland (now LCMS). In 1869, the eastern group organized as Die evangelisch-lutherische Dreieinigkeitsgemeinde zu Nicollet – Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Nicollet.
Trinity dedicated its first church building at a location south of the current city of Nicollet in 1870. Today, Trinity Lutheran Cemetery stands at that site.
Already two years earlier, in 1867, the members of what would become Trinity had started a Christian day school. The first school building was built near the church in 1883.
In 1898, the congregation bought land in the village of Nicollet and built a new church building on the corner of 6th and Ash Streets. The new location was more central and would allow Trinity to connect better with the Nicollet community.
In 1907, Trinity erected a second school building north of Nicollet to better serve children in that area. Trinity Lutheran School would have students at both the North and South Schools until 1940.
In 1940, the two schools were combined in a new school building erected in Nicollet next to the church. That school was further expanded when a kindergarten class was added in 1951.
In 1968, looking forward to its 100th anniversary in 1969, Trinity approved the construction of a new church at 604 Main Street. The current church building was dedicated in 1971. The pipe organ that had accompanied worship in the 1898 building since 1905 (manufactured in New Ulm) was renovated and moved, as was the bell from the bell tower and several art glass windows.
In 1983, Trinity started Sonshine Preschool and Childcare, and in 1987 a building was constructed to house it. The childcare operated there until it closed in 2016.
In 2006, the 1940 school building was damaged by a tornado. In 2009, the current school building was completed at 425 6th Street, attached to the 1971 church building. Instruction moved there for the 2009-10 school year, and the 1940 building was demolished.
Trinity celebrated the 150th anniversary of the school in 2017 and the church in 2019. Two pieces of artwork that had spent time as the centerpiece of the 1898 altar were restored and now flank the chancel area: a painting of the risen Christ by August Klagstad on the left, and a statue of Christ on the right.
For more than 150 years, God has showered his grace on Trinity Lutheran Church and its members through the gospel of Jesus. We thank God for bringing us together through that gospel, and we look forward with confidence that he will continue to bless us and all who hear his good news for the next 150 years, as well.
