Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Casper, Wyoming, has agreed to host classes for the opening year of Luther Classical College, starting in August 2025. LCC’s main campus is currently under construction on 13 acres adjacent to Mount Hope Lutheran Church and the Wyoming District Office of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. As enrollment is projected to reach 60–70 students for the opening year and construction priorities focus on student housing, it became apparent to the college leadership that an alternative site would be necessary for the first year’s academic needs. “Trinity was the natural choice,” says Dr. Ryan MacPherson, LCC’s academic dean.

In June 2024, Trinity hosted LCC’s second annual Christian Culture Conference, with nearly 300 guests. In October, Trinity opened its sanctuary to LCC again for the inauguration of Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau as the college’s first president. The main floor includes a parish hall that can seat nearly 300 plus an instructional room that can seat 30, which is the target class size for the discussion-rich teaching style of LCC’s faculty. The lower level includes underutilized areas that will allow the college to have faculty offices, another classroom, and a music practice room. Pastor Jon Olson of Trinity has been involved with LCC since “before the beginning.” He was one of a handful of pastors who participated in the initial brainstorming that led to the establishment of the college in 2020. “We are delighted to see plans unfolding as God blesses the work of the college administration,” says Olson. “We are looking forward to welcoming students on Sunday mornings as well as throughout the week.”

Trinity is located just ten minutes away from Mount Hope by car. As construction progresses on the first student house adjacent to Mount Hope, the college also has acquired an apartment building less than a half mile from that main campus. The college library, with nearly 3,000 books already cataloged and more donations ready to be unboxed, is located in the lower level of the District Office. “We envision our students using the library in the evenings and weekends, with its convenient location in relation to student housing on and near the main campus,” explains college librarian William Gottwalt. Second copies of standard reference books will be housed at Trinity, where faculty and students can readily access them between classes.

The college’s operational budget is supported by over 340 Patrons and nearly 200 Supporting Congregations from throughout the United States and Canada, including more than 25 congregations within the Wyoming District. A capital campaign is underway for the construction of several student houses and academic buildings, scheduled in phases as the college launches and grows. “We are grateful for the support of the Wyoming District, Mount Hope, and Trinity, and all supporting congregations as we work together to serve the first historic cohort of students,” says Pres. Ristau.

To support LCC’s endeavor, visit our Building Campaign page.