History

The Lutheran Church of Hempstead began in May of 1952 when a group of interested persons came together for worship.  They first began worshiping in the Presbyterian church in Hempstead every two weeks with Pastor A.J. Mohr of St. John’s in Bellville acting as a supply pastor.  In 1959 a study was done by the Board of the American Missions of the American Lutheran Church.  They decided to give a Mission Subsidy that allowed the hiring of Rev. Walter Thormeyer to serve both Hempstead and Waller on July 5, 1959.  On October 7, 1962 the Lutherans of Hempstead formally organized into Trinity Lutheran Church of Hempstead with 35 confirmed and 56 baptized Charter Members.  On May 28, 1967 Trinity formally broke ground for the present church.  From 1989 to 2015 Trinity was an active member of the ELCA but in 2015 a conflict arose with the ELCA from Trinity members and other ELCA Lutherans in the area.  On November 13, 2016 Trinity voted to leave the ELCA.  On February 10, 2017 Trinity became a welcomed member of the NALC (North American Lutheran Church) and on May 19, 2017 Trinity received a welcome aboard letter from the LCMC (Lutheran Congregations Mission in Christ).  In the December 13, 2020 congregational meeting it was voted to disaffiliate with the NALC to focus our attention with the LCMC.

Unfortunately on April 18th of 2021 we lost our long term Pastor and Friend Lee Hartman.  It was a sudden and tragic time for Trinity, but to this day we remember with kindness the leadership and care he brought to us.  Darrin Trammell became Pastor on September 4th, 2021 and resigned on February 2026.  Ryan Hoffart was most recently commissioned as Minister in May 2026.  Ryan is joined by his wife Emilie, along with their two sons Bentley and Elliot.  You can see God’s hand guiding Trinity and we look forward to the future.  With the biblical teaching of God’s word, we embrace our invigorated call to Mission and to our neighbors and community.

Humble Beginnings 1969
1981 with Bell Tower
1987 with Additions
1987 Closeup