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HONORING TRINITY AME CHURCH, LANSING
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HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Friday, February 25, 2022
Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a pillar of Lansing's African-American faith community: Trinity AME Church. For over 150 years, the area's oldest black church has knit itself into the fabric of its community, serving folks in ways that are too many to count.
Trinity was founded in 1866 with only 21 members, and today it boasts a congregation more than 400 strong. Its roots in the Lansing community run deep, having been cultivated by generations of devoted congregants. Take a look around the pews on a Sunday and you'll see folks who have been coming to Trinity for decades. They come to say a prayer or chat with an old friend--to enjoy those little moments of community and humanity.
Some have been members of Trinity AME for decades, like former MSU Athletic Director, and 2017 inductee into the MSU Hall of Fame, Clarence Underwood. He first joined in 1958 while studying at MSU, and never looked back.
Trinity's impact reaches far beyond the walls of the church building off West Holmes Road. From youth programs, scholarships, clothing drives and more, Trinity and its congregation are devoted to supporting the people of Lansing. The congregation has also reached out beyond their immediate community, like helping the residents of Flint during its water crisis.
With such a spirited and steadfast congregation, it is no surprise that Trinity is headed up by such a vibrant pastor. Pastor Lila Martin is the first woman to take the pulpit, and she has risen to the occasion.
From getting kids involved in the services, to returning the church to its role as a vital part of the community, she is shepherding her congregation into a new era in its long history.
Pastor Martin ends her sermons with, ``Maybe you're without a church home, then I invite you to allow Trinity to be your church home, we will accept you.'' Her steadfast effort to open Trinity's doors to all who may need it is felt each and every week.
With in-person services returning and the congregation stronger than ever, the future looks bright for Trinity. Its history, members, and presence in the community is an essential part of Lansing, and I am proud that its impact will be forever known.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 35
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