Business Details
Welcome to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in NYC
Founded in 1868, our church has been a cornerstone of New York Citys spiritual and cultural landscape for over a century. Located on Central Park West, we combine historic Lutheran traditions with contemporary social justice values, offering worship services rooted in liturgy, music, and sacraments. Our community actively embraces inclusivity, welcoming all individuals regardless of background or identity.Through music programs like our renowned Bach Vespers, outreach initiatives serving over 5,500 annual service hours, and progressive theological engagement, we strive to be a beacon of faith and service in Manhattan. Our leadership team brings decades of experience in pastoral care, music ministry, and community development, ensuring our congregation remains at the forefront of urban Lutheran ministry.
Services
Worship Services
Bach Vespers
Community Outreach
Music Programs
Preaching Residencies
Highlights and features
- We offer historic Lutheran worship with contemporary social justice focus
- Our Bach Vespers series blends sacred music with modern liturgy
- Community outreach serving over 5,500 annual service hours
- Inclusive congregation welcoming all sexual orientations and identities
- Professional clergy with decades of urban ministry experience
Associations and certifications
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
- Reconciling in Christ (RIC)
What people say
Beautiful architecture
Welcoming community
Excellent music
Meaningful outreach
Thoughtful sermons
Services
Worship Services
Weekly Sunday Mass at 11:00 AM blending traditional Lutheran liturgy with contemporary preaching. Services feature chanted prayers, historic hymns, and sacramental practice while addressing modern social justice issues. Our worship maintains ancient traditions while remaining relevant to urban life in New York City.
Bach Vespers
Annual series of 75+ liturgical services including our signature Bach Vespers performances. Combines Johann Sebastian Bachs music with historic Lutheran liturgy, featuring professional choir and period-accurate musical interpretations. This program preserves sacred music traditions while engaging modern audiences.
Community Outreach
Comprehensive outreach programs serving local and global communities. Includes H.U.G. meal program (63,000+ meals served), Community Living Room facilities, and Central Park homeless ministry. Supports ELCA disaster response and global hunger initiatives through volunteer-driven service projects.
Music Programs
Professional music ministry featuring the Holy Trinity Parish Choir. Offers weekly choral services, seasonal concerts, and new music commissions. Maintains high artistic standards while integrating diverse musical traditions from Gregorian chant to contemporary compositions.
Preaching Residencies
Program inviting diverse clergy to preach and stay in our Manhattan guest apartment. Provides housing for visiting preachers while enriching our congregation with varied theological perspectives. Focuses on ELCA-communion traditions while welcoming interfaith participants.
People
The Reverend Timothy Weisman
Pastor
Lutheran pastor with expertise in urban ministry and community development. Leads Holy Trinity since 2020, expanding outreach programs and commissioning new pipe organ. Previously founded Common Room in Massachusetts and appeared on CBS Evening News.
Austin Philemon
Music Director
Organist and conductor with international performance experience. Directs Holy Trinity Parish Choir and curates music programs. Holds advanced degrees from Manhattan School of Music and University of North Carolina, specializing in sacred music and new compositions.
Questions
What denominational affiliation does Holy Trinity have?
We are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the largest progressive Lutheran body in the United States.
Are visitors welcome at your services?
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome to attend our Sunday Mass and other programs regardless of background or belief.
What community service programs do you offer?
Our H.U.G. program provides weekly meals, while Community Living Room offers showers, laundry, and computer access. We also have homeless outreach and global relief initiatives.
How can I join Holy Trinity?
Membership requires baptism, regular attendance, and financial contribution. New members typically join during Sunday services after meeting with our pastor.
What musical events do you host?
We present Bach Vespers performances, choral concerts, and organ recitals featuring our historic pipe organ and professional musicians.
Do you offer online worship options?
Yes, all Sunday Mass services are available via live-stream and archived recordings on our website.
