Trinity Episcopal

Envision a small wooden chapel, built with scraps and the very sand of Lake Minnetonka. This is the humble beginning of Trinity Episcopal in Excelsior, Minnesota. Trinity Episcopal’s story isn’t a simple tale of peaceful worship. It’s a dramatic saga, filled with turmoil and resilience. Trinity Episcopal stands as the oldest Episcopal church in Minnesota. It’s a testament to the enduring power of faith. The story begins in Minnetonka City, with a log hotel transformed into the first Trinity chapel. John Hamilton McKenzie built the hotel. Charles A.F Morris and Charles S. Hargin, devout Episcopalians and sawmill owners, gifted the land and the repurposed hotel to Reverend Jacob Sterrill Chamberlain and Bishop Kemper. The first service was held on Trinity Sunday in 1854. Tragedy struck when the sawmill burned down. The congregation decided to relocate Trinity to a more populated area. Between 1862 and 1863, Trinity Episcopal was rebuilt and consecrated in its current location in Excelsior. The chapel was constructed with local materials: Shakopee lime, wood scraps, and sand and rocks from Lake Minnetonka. This makes the chapel a physical embodiment of the community. The “jumpform” construction, a process of layering planks over concrete, is still visible today. This offers a glimpse into the original building techniques. This structure held strong until the first renovation in 1886. However, a dark cloud descended upon Trinity with accusations against Reverend Chamberlain. He was accused of financial mismanagement, including misusing funds and taking an inappropriate salary. Chamberlain was subsequently expelled from the diocese. Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple, Minnesota’s first bishop, took over. This incident highlighted a power struggle between clergy and bishops, their differing views on missions, and the complicated history of Trinity Episcopal. Despite these challenges, Trinity Episcopal persevered. The church expanded in the 20th century with a new hall, a kitchen, offices, and an atrium. Trinity Episcopal remains a vibrant community. It focuses on outreach programs. These include Bible studies, prayer groups, a garden group, and a care team that supports those in need within the community. Today, Trinity Episcopal stands as a symbol of resilience, a testament to the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity.