Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

I started attending services several years ago and quickly found a welcoming group of people. The service music is spectacular; the choir is amazing. The evening Bach Vespers service (Oct-​April) is free and amazingly done. Even for the non-​religious among us, the concert is free and as good as any other concert at Lincoln Center. Definitely worth checking out!

After being in NYC for two years, I realized something was missing and decided I needed a church home. Having been raised in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, I wanted to find a place that blended my love of the traditional Lutheran liturgy with progressive ideology and placed great importance on music as part of the service. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church truly stood out because of these reasons. Not only is its congregation immensely welcoming and friendly, but the music is outstanding. Cantor Rick Erickson (and the tremendous choir) truly crafts a fabulous selection of traditional hymns, medieval chants, mystic offeratories, and good olé Bach works that make each service feel special. The free Bach Vesper Series on Sunday nights (October through April) are not to be missed. Pastor Heisley personally takes the time to greet each member and welcome all new guests. A progressive church, Holy Trinity is inclusive towards people of all walks of life: all races, genders, sexual orientations. I’m so glad I have found a place to call home here amidst the hustle and bustle. Please come join us and stay for coffee hour to chat!

There are few if any places to hear Bach Vespers and this is one of them. Not only is that wonderful in it’s own right the music is outstanding. So even if you are not religious this free concert is a treat. (not year around so check their site for dates)

Overall this is a nice church that seems remodeled. The inside seems quite new but yet old at the same time, therefore I am guessing it has been remodeled. It is not as big as I thought inside compared to St. Barts or some of the other churches on the east side. The congregation was small for advent, about 40 not counting the choir or staff, but most certainly friendly. The pastor could tell right away we were new and made time to talk to us. As for the choir, they are amazing. I have never heard the hymn/​song Jesus Christ is an Apple Tree, but it was beautiful. I will go back.

This church has it all: superb liturgy, strong musical presence, and a welcoming atmosphere for anyone who enters. I am a recent transplant from out of state and have found my new church family here. This is important for us 30-​somethings who need a sense of community in a city the size of New York. It is easy to get lost in the shuffle here, but stop in anytime if you want to be part of a truly remarkable organization. By the way, this church is located at 65^th and Central Park West — it’s a beautiful walk from any direction. You will find me there on Sundays at 11:00, pulpit side middle, and I am happy to have coffee with anyone who wishes to chat afterward. Basically, I will hang around anywhere with coffee and baked goods — and Lutherans are really good at servin’ up carbs. ;)