​In the fall of 1904, Dr. M. J. Bieber, a Lutheran Home Missionary, and Mr. G. H. Huppert met to discuss establishing a Lutheran congregation in Wildwood to serve the many English, German, and Swedish Lutherans living on the island. As a result of their efforts, the first worship service was held on December 11, 1904, in the Wildwood Borough Hall on Pine Avenue. At that time, Mr. Huppert also organized a Sunday School and served as its superintendent for 28 years.

 

Throughout 1905, worship services continued to be held in the Borough Hall and were conducted by students from Mt. Airy Lutheran Theological Seminary. In 1906, the congregation called Rev. Howard E. Snyder as its first pastor. Under his leadership, the congregation was formally organized on July 19, 1906, when a constitution was adopted and the name The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, Wildwood-by-the-Sea, New Jersey, was chosen.

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On March 24, 1907, a special congregational meeting was held to select a lot for the construction of a church building. A committee was appointed, and with the assistance of Mr. H. H. Ottens, a lot measuring 120 x 117 feet at the corner of Atlantic and Poplar Avenues was purchased for $8,000.

 

A construction contract was awarded to Frank E. Smith of Holly Beach, who agreed to build a chapel—a white frame church—excluding painting, plumbing, and electrical wiring, for $1,100. The Ladies Aid Society furnished the carpet and pews. The white Gothic altar was built by Max Karrasch and William J. Walton, and a brass cross was donated by Howard W. Lewis. Both the pews and the cross remain in use in the present church.

 

Pastor Snyder laid the cornerstone on Sunday, April 26, and the chapel was formally dedicated on August 16.

 

A parsonage, now known as the Fellowship Hall, was constructed during the winter of 1921–1922. In 1925, the congregation purchased an additional 25 feet of property on Poplar Avenue, paving the way for the construction of the present church building. In 1936, the congregation voted to proceed with construction, and the building was dedicated on May 23, 1937.

 

Between 1939 and 1952, the church underwent many improvements. Although the Rose Window was installed when the building was erected and the Good Shepherd Window followed in 1938, the remaining art windows were gradually added during this period. An Estey pipe organ was installed and dedicated on December 15, 1940, and in 1946, the reredos was added to the sanctuary.

 

As Holy Trinity continued its ministry, it sponsored two mission churches: Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in the Villas and Cape May Lutheran Church. The congregation also played an active role in establishing the Lutheran Home at Ocean View. In addition, Holy Trinity sent and supported several members into ordained ministry: Rev. Jeff Elliot, Rev. Mary Wein Gade, and Rev. Nancy Rucket, and currently supports Vicar Kenneth Bassett.

 

For 73 years, Holy Trinity was deeply involved in a retreat ministry at the shore. This ministry began in 1948 under Pastor Atwood Smith, when colleagues from Pennsylvania inquired about holding retreats in the area. Initially, retreats were hosted indoors using Sunday School rooms. In 1992, the congregation purchased the Lilly Inn, which was renovated and dedicated as the Luther Inn Retreat Center in April 1993. With the help of summer interns, the congregation operated a successful retreat program until the inn was sold in 2021.

 

Today, Holy Trinity continues to support numerous outreach efforts, including Lazarus House, Family Promise, Easter Seals, the School Supplies and Christmas Stocking Programs, and the making of quilts for Lutheran World Relief.

 

Other changes reflecting the congregation’s evolving spirit include the offering of Holy Communion every Sunday, the installation of a free-standing altar, formation of a bell choir, and construction of a handicap-accessible entry ramp.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when large gatherings were prohibited, Holy Trinity transitioned to virtual worship using Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom. Services were conducted with only the pastor, organist, and deacon present. Bulletins, hymns, and seasonal materials were mailed to members, and palms and pre-packaged communion kits were distributed via drive-through for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter. This format continued until June 21, 2020. Upon returning to in-person worship, safety measures included face masks, physical distancing, no congregational singing, suspension of Communion, and the absence of social hour.

 

This year, Holy Trinity celebrates 120 years of ministry in the Wildwoods and beyond. Through faithful pastors, dedicated members, outreach programs, and innovative approaches to worship and ministry, the congregation continues to respond to the needs of God’s people.

 

Since 1906, 15 pastors have served Holy Trinity. The congregation is currently served by Reverand Mark Bruesehoff, Vice Pastor and stated supply and Vicar Kenneth Bassett, Vicar.

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History compiled from church records by Louise McHugh with reminisces from David Neff and Phillip Neff.