Our History
A legacy of faith and community, built over decades of love, truth, and commitment to Jesus Christ.
La Trinidad United Methodist Church
150 Year gala Celebration
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
6 PM to 11 PM
Spurs Practice Facility
Spurs Lane, San Antonio, TX 78284
Celebrating a milestone that echoes across generations: 150 years of sacred service, cultural preservation, and steadfast love for San Antonio's westside.
Our upcoming fundraising gala is a moment to honor the past and invest in the future.
Individual ticket pricing and sponsorship opportunities are coming soon!
Founded in 1876
Having deep roots of love and community within these church walls
Join us as we reflect on our rich history and look forward to our future.
Faith, Culture, and Community
La Trinidad is more than just a church
For over 150 years, La Trinidad has been more than a church; it has been a civic cornerstone and cultural sanctuary, guiding generations through worship, education, and social action.
From the early days of civil-rights advocacy and bilingual ministry to modern partnerships in health, education, and social service, La Trinidad continues to shine as a lighthouse of hope and transformation. Its members, inspired by Matthew 5:14–16, remain “the light of the world,” committed to loving God, serving neighbor, and building a just and compassionate community.
As we celebrate our 150th Anniversary, La Trinidad looks ahead with Vision 2040 - renewing sacred spaces, preserving our history, and equipping new generations to lead through faith, learning, and service.
A Faithful, Generational Church
Our defining milestones
1876
Founding as a Mission to Mexican-Americans
Founded in 1876 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in San Antonio, La Trinidad United Methodist Church is one of the earliest Hispanic/Latino Methodist congregations in the United States, established to serve the West Side through a lasting ministry of faith, inclusion, and community service.
1885
Birth of a Cross-Border Methodist Conference
On October 28, 1885, La Trinidad United Methodist Church hosted the organization of the Conferencia Fronteriza Misionera Mexicana in San Antonio. The conference united Methodist districts in Texas (San Antonio and El Paso) and Mexico (Monterrey and Monclova), marking a historic moment in binational Methodist ministry.
1901
Establishment as a Growing Hispanic-Latino Methodist Congregation
As immigration to San Antonio increased, the church saw steady growth, responding to the needs of the Mexican-American community through worship, education, and outreach.
1904
Spanish-Language Book of Discipline Preservation
La Trinidad preserved one of the earliest Spanish-language editions of the Methodist Book of Discipline, reflecting its commitment to Spanish-speaking congregations.
1910
Founding of Cooper Academy
The church established Cooper Academy to provide education for children in the local community, showing its early commitment to learning and development.
1922
Establishment at the Current Church Site
La Trinidad United Methodist Church moved to its current location, laying the foundation for nearly a century of worship, ministry, and community service on San Antonio’s Westside.
1933
Women’s Missionary Leadership Takes Root
The Conference Women’s Missionary Society of the Texas Mexican Conference was organized at La Trinidad UMC, with Carmen Lujan elected as its first president—affirming the church’s long-standing commitment to women in leadership and mission.
1940
Faith, Journalism, and Advocacy
Jovita Idar, a member of La Trinidad UMC and respected journalist, became co-editor of El Heraldo Cristiano alongside Alfred Náñez, strengthening Methodist communication, education, and social advocacy.
1958
Growth into a Bilingual Congregation
La Trinidad transitioned from Spanish-only services to a bilingual ministry, welcoming both English- and Spanish-speaking worshipers.
1969
Dedication of the Present Church Buildings
The current La Trinidad UMC buildings were officially opened and dedicated, providing expanded facilities for worship, education, and community engagement.
1983
Expansion of Community Outreach Ministries
The church expanded food assistance, youth programs, and community partnerships to serve families on the West Side of San Antonio.
1996
A First in Conference Lay Leadership
Della Escareño of La Trinidad UMC was elected Conference Lay Leader, becoming the first woman to serve in this role and continuing the church’s tradition of influential lay leadership.
2003
National Youth Leadership Milestone
Analisa Trejo, a member of La Trinidad UMC, was elected the first Hispanic Youth President of the National Methodist Council on Youth Ministry, highlighting the church’s impact on youth leadership at the national level.
2005
Development of Historic Church Archives
La Trinidad developed one of the most complete archives of Hispanic Methodist history, preserving documents, photos, and artifacts.
2016
140th Anniversary Celebration
The congregation celebrated 140 years of continuous ministry, honoring past leaders, members, and community impact.
2022-2023
Major Gym & Facility Renovations
The church completed major gym and facility renovations to improve safety, accessibility, and community use.
2026
150th Anniversary & Vision 2040
La Trinidad celebrates 150 years of faith, culture, and community while launching Vision 2040 to guide its future ministry and community impact.
