Beneath the towering Gothic structure of Trinity United Methodist Church, a story of faith, resilience, and transformation unfolds. Founded in 1853 as part of The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Trinity’s journey mirrors Atlanta’s own evolution. Its origins trace back to a humble beginning in the home of Martha and Greene B. Haygood.
Imagine Atlanta in 1854. It was a city of just 6,000 people. Trinity Methodist Church moved into its first brick building. It stood on Mitchell Street, now the site of the Department of Transportation near the Georgia State Capitol.
The Civil War cast a long shadow. In July 1864, as Union General Sherman’s army approached, Trinity closed its doors. Reverend Atticus G. Haygood and his family fled. Yet, even in the midst of conflict, Haygood, a missionary in the Confederate army, held services twice each Sunday. As Atlanta was evacuated, the church became a refuge. Furniture from displaced families filled its sanctuary. Through the intervention of Father Thomas O’Reilly, General Sherman spared Trinity and three other churches.
In 1874, Trinity moved to a larger building. It stood on the corner of Whitehall and Peters Streets, now Trinity Avenue. In 1911, the church found its current home. The Gothic structure was designed by Walter T. Downing. The Atlanta Journal called its stained-glass windows a triumph. North windows depict the Old Testament. South windows show the New Testament. East windows symbolize the Christian Trinity. Figures representing the church’s formation also appear. The carved chancel and pews came from Germany. They were moved from the Whitehall Street building.
Trinity is credited with planting seeds for five other Methodist churches in Atlanta. These include St. Paul, Evans Chapel, Asbury, Pierce Chapel, and Park Street. In the late 1800s, Trinity supported missionaries overseas. It was active in Home Missions. The Methodist Epworth League started at Trinity in 1889. During World War I, the church supported two Red Cross units.
During the 1930s, Trinity operated a soup kitchen. The women of the church primarily staffed it. They served the city during a time of widespread need. In the 1950s, freeway construction displaced residents. Trinity responded to the changing neighborhood. It ministered to the growing homeless population. In the 1960s, its ministry focused on the Capitol Homes community. From the 1970s through the 1990s, Trinity continued its inner-city programs. These included a Sunday soup kitchen, a night shelter, and a Wednesday worship service. In the 1990s, Trinity expanded its ministries to include HIV and AIDS victims.
Today, Trinity United Methodist Church is undergoing a transformation. Gorman and Company plans to restore the church. It will convert it into senior housing and event space. The sanctuary will become a rentable event space. The church will continue to host worship services. New residences will be built behind the church. Amenities will include a fitness center, clubhouse, and picnic pavilion. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Trinity stands as a beacon of hope. It is an inclusive community that welcomes all. It strives to love God and neighbor. Its towering Austin Organ, the oldest remaining pipe organ in the city, still fills the sanctuary with music. The church’s legacy of service continues to inspire.