A Church that

Cares Deeply

As a church that has been around for over 150 years, we understand what it means to care for those within our community and how to grow our faith in Christ.
group of people walking through a door
group of people walking through a door
group of people walking through a door

Our mission

Our mission is to be a welcoming, safe spiritual home that nurtures faith, preserves culture, and serves our community with love. For 150+ years, La Trinidad UMC has empowered the westside through worship, justice, and compassionate service. We continue this legacy by building a future rooted in hope and inclusion.

Our mission is to be a welcoming, safe spiritual home that nurtures faith, preserves culture, and serves our community with love. For 150+ years, La Trinidad UMC has empowered the westside through worship, justice, and compassionate service. We continue this legacy by building a future rooted in hope and inclusion.

150 year badge
150 year badge
150 year badge

Celebrating 150+ years of love, faith, & community

For 150 years, La Trinidad United Methodist Church has stood as a place of sacred service, cultural pride, and unwavering love for San Antonio’s westside. Founded in 1875, our church is more than a house of worship—it is a civic anchor, a cultural sanctuary, and a community lifeline.

As the sixth oldest Hispanic/Latino United Methodist congregation in the United States, our history is deeply woven into the heart of the city. From the earliest days of civil rights organizing to today’s bilingual worship, youth mentorship, food support, and family ministries, La Trinidad has remained committed to uplifting communities often overlooked yet never broken.

For a century and a half, our doors have remained open as a vibrant center of worship, education, justice, and community transformation. Our partnership with the Westley Community Center and many local organizations continues to expand access to health, educational, and social services for families across the westside.

Our pulpit has amplified voices that history tried to silence—leaders like Jovita Idar, a pioneering journalist and activist who spoke boldly for social justice, education, and women’s rights from within our very walls. Our pews have held generations of families who have prayed, grown, and served together. And our ministries have consistently intertwined faith and justice, turning compassion into action.

From 2023 to 2025, La Trinidad completed renovations, reaffirming our commitment to provide a safe, welcoming, and accessible home for worship, learning, and community support.

As we celebrate our 150-year anniversary on May 2, 2025, we honor the legacy that brought us here—and we boldly invest in the future ahead. Our upcoming gala is more than a celebration; it is a call to action for anyone who believes in community strength, cultural preservation, and radical love.

Because La Trinidad’s story is San Antonio’s story.

It is a testament to resilience.
A commitment to justice.
A sanctuary of hope.
A place where all are welcomed, uplifted, and inspired.

La Trinidad is home.

Our pastors

With wisdom and grace, our pastors share scripture and their faith with our community to help strengthen, encourage, and build up those around them.
pastor ramirez headshot
pastor ramirez headshot
pastor ramirez headshot

Pastor Ramirez

Lead Pastor
pastor padilla headshot
pastor padilla headshot
pastor padilla headshot

Pastor padilla

Associate Pastor
lighthouse congregation logo
lighthouse congregation logo
lighthouse congregation logo

Needing safe-haven?

La Trinidad UMC protects its community by bringing light into the darkest areas of life. Safety is a blessing. God calls us to share this blessing and provide it to any who are in need.

If you, or someone you know, are in need of a safe-haven, we are here.

Our community is built for safety

Safety is a priority of La Trinidad. As beacons of light within this world, all volunteers and leaders are required to understand what safety is and how to promote it inside the church community. Application or Renewal.

safe gatherings company logo
safe gatherings company logo
safe gatherings company logo

Learn More About La Trinidad

Here are some frequently asked questions we get from first time visitors, but you can always contact us if you are not finding your answers.
What is the vision of La Trinidad UMC?

Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. La Trinidad’s vision is to strengthen families and raise up world-changing Christian disciples through worship, education, and service.

What is the vision of La Trinidad UMC?

Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. La Trinidad’s vision is to strengthen families and raise up world-changing Christian disciples through worship, education, and service.

What is the vision of La Trinidad UMC?

Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. La Trinidad’s vision is to strengthen families and raise up world-changing Christian disciples through worship, education, and service.

What does La Trinidad believe as a United Methodist church?

We believe in God’s grace for all people and the call to live our faith through love, service, and justice. As a congregation of the United Methodist Church, we follow the teachings of John Wesley — a faith that is thoughtful, scriptural, and lived out in everyday acts of compassion and community engagement.

What does La Trinidad believe as a United Methodist church?

We believe in God’s grace for all people and the call to live our faith through love, service, and justice. As a congregation of the United Methodist Church, we follow the teachings of John Wesley — a faith that is thoughtful, scriptural, and lived out in everyday acts of compassion and community engagement.

What does La Trinidad believe as a United Methodist church?

We believe in God’s grace for all people and the call to live our faith through love, service, and justice. As a congregation of the United Methodist Church, we follow the teachings of John Wesley — a faith that is thoughtful, scriptural, and lived out in everyday acts of compassion and community engagement.

Why is La Trinidad historically significant in San Antonio?

Founded in 1876, La Trinidad is one of the oldest Hispanic Methodist congregations in the United States. For 150+ years, it has been a cornerstone of faith and community leadership on San Antonio’s West Side — a place where culture, service, and worship have united generations in the love of Christ.

Why is La Trinidad historically significant in San Antonio?

Founded in 1876, La Trinidad is one of the oldest Hispanic Methodist congregations in the United States. For 150+ years, it has been a cornerstone of faith and community leadership on San Antonio’s West Side — a place where culture, service, and worship have united generations in the love of Christ.

Why is La Trinidad historically significant in San Antonio?

Founded in 1876, La Trinidad is one of the oldest Hispanic Methodist congregations in the United States. For 150+ years, it has been a cornerstone of faith and community leadership on San Antonio’s West Side — a place where culture, service, and worship have united generations in the love of Christ.

How does La Trinidad serve the West Side community today?

We partner with organizations and neighbors to support education, health, and family wellness. Ministries like Sewing for Preemies, Wesley Nurse Health Ministry, youth programs, and community meals help us live out our faith in tangible ways. Our facilities also serve as a gathering place for civic, cultural, and faith-based events that strengthen community bonds.

How does La Trinidad serve the West Side community today?

We partner with organizations and neighbors to support education, health, and family wellness. Ministries like Sewing for Preemies, Wesley Nurse Health Ministry, youth programs, and community meals help us live out our faith in tangible ways. Our facilities also serve as a gathering place for civic, cultural, and faith-based events that strengthen community bonds.

How does La Trinidad serve the West Side community today?

We partner with organizations and neighbors to support education, health, and family wellness. Ministries like Sewing for Preemies, Wesley Nurse Health Ministry, youth programs, and community meals help us live out our faith in tangible ways. Our facilities also serve as a gathering place for civic, cultural, and faith-based events that strengthen community bonds.

Not finding your answers?

Send us your question, and we will get back to you!

Come see what we're about

We would love to have you at service and get to know you more. Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to love unconditionally and deeply - come see how La Trinidad implements this calling next service.

Serving hearts are wanted and utilized everyday within La Trinidad! Whether it be to serve on staff, or making an impact within our church in other areas, please reach out to see where you can start serving today.

methodist flame and cross
methodist flame and cross
methodist flame and cross