The first English speaking Lutheran congregation in La Crosse, English Lutheran Church was permanently organized Sept. 8, 1898, as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity. Services were first held in Lienlokken Hall located on Fourth Street. Later in 1898, the members held services at the YMCA building on King Street. A lot at Ferry and West Ave. was purchased for $1,450, and ground was broken on Aug. 12, 1901. The building was dedicated Dec. 8, 1901. An addition to the church and a parsonage were built on Ferry Street next to the church under the direction of Rev. W.P. Christy. The church was destroyed by fire in January 1918, but the congregation assembled in the basement of the burned-out church for six years. A new church building, located at South Sixteenth and Cass streets, was dedicated on May 10, 1925.
The parish purchased the home of the late Dr. and Mrs. Adolf Gundersen at 1509 King Street in 1953. The building was used a parish hall and was called Luther House. At this location in May 1961, ground was broken for a new parish house, the cornerstone was laid October 1961. The facility was completed in September 1962, and was named the Harold N. Stoffel Memorial Parish House in memory of beloved pastor Harold N. Stoffel.
The sanctuary building at 1601 Cass Street was sold in 1991 to Living Word Christian Church. A new sanctuary, fellowship and administrative offices were added on to Stoffel Hall in September 1991. The new addition, which holds 400 people, was dedicated September 1992.
