About Trinity

"United in Christ we will proclaim
the Gospel, administer the Sacraments, and provide Christian
education to children and adults in a supportive and nurturing
environment."

Who Are Lutherans?
Today, there are 66 million Lutherans belonging to 250 different autonomous Lutheran churches around the world. The largest numbers of Lutherans are to be found in Germany, the place where the Reformation took place during the early part of the 16th century. The 9.5 million Lutherans in North America belong to 21 different Lutheran church bodies. The largest of these at 5.1 million is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, with 2.5 million baptized members, ranks as the second largest Lutheran church body in North America and the 11th largest denomination in the USA. For more information on the LCMS, please see“An Introduction to the LCMS”.

Trinity’s History
On May 30, 1920 the church was organized by 10 charter members. Our first Pastor, Rev. Louis J. Roehm, served from 1921-1931. During his service, the church purchased a house and lot on 34th and Omohundro Ave. in Norfolk in 1921.

In Feb. 1923, a small chapel was dedicated on the lot and it served as the primary location for services through 1945.

Our second pastor, Rev. Paul A. Plawin, served from 1931-1966. Under Pastor Plawin, a majority of Trinity’s construction projects took place, beginning with the purchase of the current church site at Granby and West Belvedere in May, 1940.

In Sept., 1944, construction began on the main building and it was completed one year later in 1945. Also in 1945, the school’s kindergarten was organized. In 1952, Belvedere Hall and the North Transept were constructed, followed in 1954 by the South Transept.

The last major project under Pastor Plawin was the education building, dedicated on May 19, 1963.

Succeeding Pastor Plawin have been Rev. William M. Bliese, 1967-1974; Rev. Arthur W. Meyer, 1974-1985; Rev. Daniel H. Quiram, 1986-1997; and currently Rev. James P. O’Connor.

Under Pastor O’Connor, the glassed in breezeway was constructed and dedicated in 2004.

One People–Believing
As a member church of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod we voluntarily choose to belong to the Synod. As an individual congregation, our form of worship may differ from other congregations in Hampton Roads.

Our service is based on the more traditional and liturgical background of the church. However, despite our differences in service, all LCMS congregations hold to a shared confession of Jesus Christ as taught in Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

One Mission–Reaching Out
Trinity welcomes all who enter her doors and seeks to serve the community in which we live. Whether it be through the school, Vacation Bible School, Special Ministries, the Lutheran Council of Tidewater, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, or Pantry Outreach, the Church seeks to bring the loving Gospel of Jesus Christ to our neighbors.

One Message–Proclaiming
Well known for its emphasis on
Biblical doctrine and faithfulness to the historic Lutheran Confessions, the Synod also seeks new ways of proclaiming the Gospel.

Concordia Publishing House, whose Arch Book Series for children has sold more than 55 million copies, is the nation’s fourth-largest Protestant publisher. Additionally, the radio program, “The Lutheran Hour; as heard on local radio WTAR 850AM Sunday morning at 8 a.m., has been aired in North America since 1930.

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), which came into being in 1942, serves as the Synod’s auxiliary for women and has been a leader in supporting missionary outreach in many areas. Trinity is proud to have a chapter of the LWML and offers a number of service opportunities for members. Trinity also has Men’s Fellowship and Youth Ministry programs to further spread and inflame the Holy Spirit inside us all.

Educating
Trinity has an active P-K3 – 5th Grade school.

Caring
Trinity shares God’s love with others by meeting human needs (physical, emotional, and spiritual) of those who are suffering. Through Pastoral Care and our Board of Deacons, Trinity is able to reach out to those seeking the peace of love that can be found from brothers and sisters in Christ.

Serving
Working with the LCMS Southeastern District and Lutheran Council of Tidewater, Trinity has been able to develop and foster vibrant ministries to bring the saving, life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ to the greater Hampton Roads area.

If you have further questions, please contact Trinity Lutheran Church..

Portions of this description are courtesy of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod "About Us" page.