Betty Smith, the author of the novel "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn," was born on December 15, 1896 as Elisabetha Wehner (child of Joannes Wehner and Katharina Hommel); according to the Baptismal Registry of this church, she was baptized by the Reverend Nicholas M. Wagner here (then simply known as “Holy Trinity”) on January 24, 1897. In the best-selling novel, Smith wrote about a fictitious girl named Francie who grew up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Although Trinity is never mentioned by name, the author clearly refers to her own church.

“Francie thought it was the most beautiful church in Brooklyn. It was made of old gray stone and had twin spires that rose cleanly into the sky, high above the tallest tenements. Inside, the high vaulted ceilings, narrow deepset stained-glass windows and elaborately carved altars made it a miniature cathedral.”

Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1943) p 390.

This photo was taken by Fr. Piotr Riesner, OFM Conv. during his visit to Most Holy Trinity in April of 2004; Fr. Piotr is from the Krakow, Poland, Province of the Conventual Franciscan Friars; he is currently serving as his province's vocation director.

A special thank you to Friar Timothy Dore, OFM Conv. for researching and providing the parish history and information for the website.