Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Church of the Holy Trinity
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(2024)
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 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 19th and Walnut Sts. facing Rittenhouse Sq., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Built | 1857 |
| Architect | John Notman George Hewitt |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001660 |
| Added to NRHP | February 6, 1973 |
The Church of the Holy Trinity is an Episcopal church located in Philadelphia, right on Rittenhouse Square. An Episcopal church is part of a Christian faith that has roots in England. The first service in this beautiful church building happened on March 27, 1859.
The church was designed by a Scottish architect named John Notman. Later, in 1867, the corner tower was added. It was designed by George W. Hewitt. The church has a simpler design, known as "low church" style. This is different from the more ornate "high church" style.
One of the most famous leaders of this church was Phillips Brooks. He was the church's rector (a type of pastor) from 1862 to 1869. Brooks is well-known for writing the words to the popular Christmas carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem".
Phillips Brooks was also known for his lively speeches and his strong opposition to slavery. He gave a special speech about Abraham Lincoln in the church on April 23, 1865. This was after the U.S. President was assassinated. His speech was printed and read by many people.
After the American Civil War ended, Brooks took a break from the church. He traveled to Europe, Israel, and Palestine. His visit to Bethlehem inspired him to write a poem for the children in his Sunday School class. For Christmas in 1868, the church's organist, Louis Redner, set the poem to music. This is how "O Little Town of Bethlehem" was created.
In 1869, Brooks became the rector of Trinity Church, Boston. He helped design and build their new church after the original one was destroyed in a big fire in 1872.
Another important leader of the Church of the Holy Trinity was Reverend Floyd W. Tomkins. He served as rector from 1899 until he passed away in 1932.
The Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia is also famous for its many beautiful stained-glass windows. Five of these stunning windows were created by the famous artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. Another special window was made by Luc-Olivier Merson.
Because of its history and special design, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is recognized as an important historical building.
Contents
Church Leadership
The Vestry
The church is guided by a group called the vestry. This group is made up of 12 members from the church community. They help make important decisions about the church's activities and future.
Past Rectors
Many dedicated leaders have served as rectors of the Church of the Holy Trinity over the years. Here are some of them:
- Alexander Hamilton Vinton (1858-1861)
- Phillips Brooks (1862-1869)
- Thomas Augustus Jaggar (1870-1875)
- William Neilson McVickar (1876-1898)
- Floyd Williams Tomkins (1899-1932)
- Howard Robert Weir (1933-1937)
- Edgar Frank Salmon (1938-1951)
- Harry S. Longley (1951-1961)
- Cuthbert Pratt (1961-1979)
- Norman S. Kerr (1980-1983)
- John Arthur Smart (-1996)
- Terence Chaus Roper (1999-)
- Alan James Robert Neale (2004-2015)
- John Gardner and Rachel Wenner Gardner (co-rectors)
See also
- The John Bohlen Lectureship
