Trinity Lutheran School in Monroe has a long successful history of educating local students according to the principles of the Lutheran faith Having recently celebrated its 175th anniversary (along with the church congregation) Trinity Lutheran School continues to offer students and families a faith-based approach to education for age 3 to grade 8 As part of the 1844 merger creating Trinity Lutheran Church -- between the Sandy Creek members (northwest of Monroe) the Zoar Lutheran congregation (south of Monroe) and Monroe city-based Lutherans – Trinity Lutheran School was started in temporary quarters Trinity Lutheran Church was led by newly-ordained Reverend George William Hattstaedt of Langenzenn who came from the German Lutheran Seminary located in Columbus Ohio – as described by Bulkley in The History of Monroe County Michigan To establish the physical footprint for both the Trinity Lutheran School and Church the financially poor congregation pooled enough money to purchase three lots at the corner of Scott and Third Streets in Monroe The original Trinity Lutheran Church/School structure was designed to measure 50 feet x 30 feet with a basement to be used for the school and the building completed and dedicated in 1852 According to Trinity Lutheran Church historian one of Trinity’s main objectives as listed in its Constitution says: “To further the cause of Christian education by the provision of a Christian Day School and other educational agencies and by thorough instruction in Confirmation.” At many early Lutheran schools Trinity Lutheran School called and hired John Solomon Simon who served as head teacher until 1881 and died in Illinois in 1912 the Trinity Lutheran School moved from the basement of the original church building to a new structure designed to accommodate “two classes of seven grades.” providing the capacity for 190 students spent 46 years instructing students in this school; he died in 1917 and is buried in the church cemetery Close to 2,000 children attended classes in this building before a new day school was built on the same spot in 1940 Other building projects have been part of Trinity Lutheran’s history the Reverend Carl Franke moved to add a church hall designed specifically with “special attention given to the care and education of the young people of the church.” The space – dubbed “Library Hall” – included a large room to serve as a gymnasium for athletics/concerts This preceded the decision to build the current Trinity Lutheran Church in 1893 to replace the original church structure The 1940 school building is in use today with 188 K-8 students and more than 40 pre-K students It is accredited by the National Lutheran School Accreditation program and offers a full program of academics and sports in a Christian environment including middle school cross country and track According to Trinity Lutheran School Principal “We believe our world needs strong Christian leaders equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century We are here to partner with families who desire a distinctively Christian education for their children Our staff is committed not only to academic excellence but also to teaching students how to apply the truths of God’s Word to every aspect of life If you are in agreement with the teachings of God’s Word Trinity will complement the beliefs and values you teach your child at home.” Tom Adamich is professor of technical services and reference librarian at Monroe County Community College. He writes a continuing series examining the history of Monroe County. He can be reached at tadamich@monroeccc.edu.