Surely, a church with a story as rich as Trinity Church’s must whisper secrets to those who listen closely. Trinity Church began as a mission in 1893. It sprang from Christ Church in Houston. The area was then known as the Fairground Addition now Midtown. Trinity is the second-oldest Episcopal parish in Houston.
Once, Trinity was one of the largest parishes in the Episcopal Church. Walter Cronkite and Denton Cooley were members. However, membership declined as parishioners moved to the suburbs in the 1950s and 1960s. In the 2000s, membership steadily grew again. Five rectors of Trinity became bishops in the Episcopal Church. Another served as dean of a cathedral.
The Reverend Hannah E. Atkins became Trinity’s fifteenth rector in September 2007. In 1990, Trinity founded the Lord of the Streets Mission. This mission of the Diocese of Texas serves Houston’s homeless. Though no longer under Trinity Church’s guidance Lord of the Streets’ services are held here.
Look at the current church building. It dates from 1919. It is a neo-Gothic structure. Cram and Ferguson designed it. This firm also designed buildings at Rice University and the Julia Ideson Building of Houston Public Library. The church’s Morrow Chapel was renovated in 2002. It features world-class stained glass artwork and liturgical furnishings. Artists like Kim Clark Renteria Kermit Oliver and Shazia Sikander contributed. The church also houses a 1918 Pilcher pipe organ. It was recently restored.
At Trinity Church ministries exist for all ages. There are varied opportunities for spiritual growth. Many programs reach out to others in the community. Special events often occur here. The annual Animal Blessing happens in autumn. A Jazz Festival takes place in winter. There are also occasional Sunday-evening concerts. Special services include Choral Evensong and sung Compline. These are presented by the Trinity Choir. Worship in the Taizé tradition also occurs.
Trinity Church began modestly. It grew into a prominent institution. Its Sunday school was well-known. Attendance averaged 600. Programs for teens and young adults were respected. Men’s and women’s activities were community events. In 1927, the Trinity Women’s Guild founded the Guild Shoppe. This tearoom rivaled the Junior League’s. It closed in 1942 for the Cadet House. This was a weekend retreat for soldiers from Ellington Field.
Over the years Trinity Church contributed to the Episcopal clergy. Several young men were ordained to the priesthood. Two became bishops. Five rectors and one assistant rector became bishops. In the 1960s and 1970s stained-glass windows were installed throughout the sanctuary. The removal of members to the suburbs led to Trinity Church’s decline. However, the parish remained steadfast. It actively ministers to a dispersed congregation and the poor. Trinity Church stands not just as a building but as a testament to faith community and service.