In 1946 a Sunday School class at Hyde Park Methodist started Trinity United Methodist Church. They felt the area north of 45th Street was too far for children. They wanted to keep local youth from joining Ridgetop Baptist. A new congregation near 51st Street quickly became a reality. Trinity United Methodist Church began its first year at Ridgetop Elementary School. This started a tradition of supporting Ridgetop families during holidays.
Trinity United Methodist Church then moved to a new building. This was the northeast corner of 50th Street and Evan Street. Later additions included a Sunday School wing and a new sanctuary. Today that original space is the Griffin School. The main sanctuary was dedicated in 1955. This was a time of growth for the church and the neighborhood. Trinity United Methodist Church survived thanks to its women’s circles. They were very active in raising money for United Methodist district missions.
Velma Miles a Trinity member and wife of Austin Police Chief Bob Miles gave back to the community. She began the local Reading is Fundamental chapter. Today it’s known as BookSpring. She also founded the Montopolis Friendship Community Center. She wanted to make Austin a better place. Pastor Susan Sprague arrived in the mid-1980s. Trinity United Methodist Church started renovations and expansions. Susan helped create a five-year plan. She brought in quality music direction. The church became a relevant faith community again. Susan also helped the church become a teaching church. It hosted more than 10 interns since 1987.
In 1988 Sid Hall became the lead minister. He helped move the congregation forward. Trinity United Methodist Church became a place welcoming to all. It saw itself as an agent of change in Austin and the world. In 1990 Trinity United Methodist Church explored becoming a Reconciling Congregation. In October 1992 nearly 80 percent voted in favor. This outwardly affirmed their welcome of LGBT persons. That same year the Austin Chronicle named Trinity United Methodist Church “Best Parents’ Night Out” and “Best Progressive Church”.
Trinity United Methodist Church started an alternative worship celebration. It was based on Creation Spirituality. The alternative service was in the round. The Trinity building lacked space. So they rented the main room at Hancock Golf Course. This was for their 9 am service. Between 1992 and 1999 this service grew at the same rate as the traditional service. The congregation then voted to combine services. Pews were removed creating a modular multi-purpose space. Trinity United Methodist Church’s worship evolved into a circle of equals. Removing the pews took longer than becoming Reconciling.
In 2010 Trinity United Methodist Church returned to its 1946 starting point. They took over upkeep of the building. This had been home to Hyde Park United Methodist Church. Trinity United Methodist Church launched a capital campaign. They did extensive renovations to make the old Hyde Park building their own. The new space quadrupled parking and tripled worship and educational capacity. The church service started in the old Trinity building. It ended at the former Hyde Park edifice at 40th & Speedway. The spirit of Trinity returned home. It lent a slightly more radical feel to the combined congregation.
In 2012 Trinity United Methodist Church sought to expand its call to Austin’s queer community. They explored co-affiliating with the United Church of Christ UCC. After years of research and dialogue in 2015 Trinity voted overwhelmingly. They became a Union Church affiliating with the UCC while remaining UMC. This pairing provided greater local control. This was especially true on issues of ministering to those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Trinity United Methodist Church continues to evolve and welcome all.