Trinity’s Early History 

Excerpts taken from Trinity’s 25th Anniversary booklet: September 22, 1974.

Trinity Lutheran Congregation had its earliest beginnings in 1948 when  a Sunday School was started by the E.L. Stracks, L.P. Lobergs, E.L. Broughtons and J.Oilunds, to care for the spiritual needs of their own families and other interested persons.  Mrs. Strack devoted much time to organizing it, and inviting young people to join.  Survey for a possible Evangelical Lutheran Church (E.L.C.) Congregation was first made in Grande Prairie in 1947 by Miss Margaret Braaten, parish worker in the E.L.C.  The following summer a small but enthusiastic group were served by Donald Hanson, student pastor from Luther Seminary in Saskatoon.  During this time the Canada District Luther League Convention was held in the Armories in Grande Prairie. 

In October of 1948, Pastor Eric Haave of Sexsmith served the growing congregation, and continued until the summer of 1949, when he was relieved by student Pastor William Braaten.  Pastor Haave continued to serve Grande Prairie until November, 1949 when on the 23rd of that month he helped officially organize Trinity Lutheran Congregation, which became part of the Sexsmith Parish.  It is reported that the Pastor’s salary was $17.50 per month! 

On October 13th, 1949, fourteen ladies met at the Lars Loberg home and formed “Grande Prairie Lutheran Ladies Aid”.  These women, along with the many who have joined the organization in later years, have given unselfishly of their time and talents to the work and planning involved, to form the nucleus of a strong congregation.

The initial service was held September 12, 1954, in the historic 43 year old Log Church erected on Bear Creek by Rev. A. Forbes, as the first Protestant Church in Grande Prairie.  This building still stands – a monument to pioneers of every denomination who gathered to worship within its walls.