Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, Listed for Sale After Congregation Vote
Trinity Lutheran Church, a historic landmark in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, has been put up for sale by its congregation after more than a century at its current location. The decision was made following a vote by the congregation, driven by the need for extensive repairs to the 1923-built structure, including roof damage, water damage, and black mold, which were deemed too costly for the congregation to cover. Pastor Paul Gibson noted that some members have been grieving this decision for years, anticipating the financial challenges. The sanctuary holds a local historic landmark designation, which means any request for demolition would undergo a rigorous public hearing process with the city’s Planning and Preservation Commission, making demolition very difficult, according to Derek Kilborn, director of the St. Petersburg Planning Department. The congregation, which is 115 years old, has faced dwindling numbers and recently merged with Hope Lutheran Church.
