The early settlers of German descent in Barnes County, who were Lutherans, wanted to hear the doctrines of their faith in their own language, and a group first met in the Christ Pacton home southeast of Valley City, beginning about 1881.

By 1884 services were being held in the school house in Valley City by a traveling pastor. Several served the group during this early period.

On December 25, 1888 a Constitution and Bylaws were adopted and the Trinity Lutheran Church was formally organized. Gradually, the English language replaced the original German language and the congregation grew.

In 1892 real estate was purchased, and on August 7, 1897 the new church building was dedicated, which served the congregation for thirty-three years.

As an indication of the strong spirit of this church, a new church was dedicated on November 9, 1930. Subsequently, an educational unit was dedicated on November 6, 1960, and a new parsonage on March 3, 1963.

At present the congregation numbers 866 baptized members, 635 confirmed members and 707 Communicant members.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 304