Remember Kofi Annan? The former UN Secretary-General married his first wife right here at Holy Trinity Church. This church is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to Geneva’s welcoming spirit.
Holy Trinity Church stands on Rue du Mont-Blanc. It is located conveniently between the Geneva-Cornavin railway station and the hotels by Lake Geneva. This location reflects its role as a haven for English speakers in Geneva. The church is part of the Church of England’s Diocese in Europe. It holds the distinction of being a Swiss monument of regional significance.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the 16th century. Marian exiles sought refuge here. They were fleeing persecution from Queen Mary I of England. These Protestant refugees found a place to worship in Geneva. They initially gathered at the Church of Sainte-Marie-la-Neuve. It is now known as Auditoire. John Knox, a key figure in the Reformation, was elected as their minister in 1556. They even published the Geneva Bible here.
Fast forward to 1814. The English community worshiped in the Old Hospital Chapel. This chapel is now the Palais de Justice. The English community decided to build their own church in 1846. The State of Geneva donated land for the project. Bishop Charles Sumner of Winchester laid the foundation stone in 1851. The construction was funded entirely by private donations. Sumner returned to consecrate Holy Trinity Church on August 30, 1853.
Look at the East window. Mrs. Jephson presented it in 1884. Jacques Wasem created the other stained-glass windows between 1958 and 1981. The Parish hall was added in 1966. Renovations have kept Holy Trinity Church in good condition. A new organ was installed in 1985 and updated in 2015. Plaques and memorials inside honor those who died in Geneva or the Swiss Alps.
Holy Trinity Church adopted a new constitution in 1910. It transitioned from a foundation to a society. The church celebrated its 150th anniversary with an exhibition. It was held at the Geneva State Archives. The exhibition was called “The Welcoming City”. It highlighted the history of English-speaking Protestants in Geneva from 1555 to the present day.
Consider Eglantyne Jebb. She founded Save the Children. Her funeral service was held here at Holy Trinity Church. She significantly contributed to the Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
Over the years, Holy Trinity Church has welcomed many notable figures. Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela both visited. Li Tim Oi, the first woman Anglican priest, also attended a service here.
Today, Holy Trinity Church continues to thrive. It is financially self-supporting. Its congregation is diverse and global. Holy Trinity remains committed to serving the English-speaking community in Geneva. In 2023 and 2024, the church underwent interior modernization. The stonework was also restored. Holy Trinity Church stands as a symbol of faith, community, and Geneva’s welcoming spirit.