Trinity Klein Lutheran Church in Spring, Texas, first opened its doors in 1874, when the town was a quiet little hamlet – it had just opened a post office, had just been reached by the railroad, and had only two other churches. Spring is now a bustling northern suburb of Houston; recent decades have brought tens of thousands of new families to the area.
As the congregation has expanded rapidly, the need for space has as well, particularly space to serve the needs of younger families. Thanks to generous gifts from the congregation and community, in 2001 the church built a 42,000 square foot Family Life Center, and in 2008 added a 1,300-seat sanctuary. Then, in July of last year, Trinity Klein began another major construction project that is currently underway: building a new nursery, a dedicated children’s ministry space closer to the sanctuary, and a wing to serve the needs of their growing middle school and senior populations – altogether adding 49,000 square feet to the facility. With CEF’s help, they have also purchased 19.8 acres to expand their sports fields and parking.
“Trinity has been blessed to see a growth in our day school attendance as well as our children’s ministry programing,” says Joel Eisenbraun, Assistant Facilities Director at Trinity Klein. “The new construction will help alleviate the facility challenges that may have been holding back growth in these areas. It also will provide added multi-purpose spaces for performances, meetings, and games.”
The construction project has truly been a collaborative process. The building has been open multiple times during construction to allow students, staff, and families to sign the steel with their names, scripture, and prayers (pictured below). The construction company, Brookstone Construction, has contributed by staying on budget and on schedule. The congregation has taken the financial lead by making a three-year pledge toward the building campaign.
And investment through Texas District Church Extension Fund (CEF) has further bolstered the project. “Anyone who has helped CEF fund our building projects has taken part in Trinity’s mission to reach the tens of thousands and make them disciples of Jesus Christ,” Eisenbraun says. “This fact is significant as the increased participation in funding allows for the Gospel to be sown more quickly throughout Texas and around the world.”
To view more photos and drone videos of the expansion project, visit Trinity Klein’s website.