Trinity Cheltenham facts for kids
Trinity Cheltenham is a lively Christian church in Cheltenham, England. It's part of the Church of England and is known for its energetic worship and community activities. It is an Anglican church that follows both Evangelical and Charismatic traditions.
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About Trinity Cheltenham
Trinity Cheltenham is one of the largest churches in the United Kingdom. It has about 1,000 members who attend regularly. The church is also a big supporter of the New Wine network, which helps churches grow and connect.
What Happens at Trinity?
Besides Sunday services, Trinity Cheltenham offers many activities during the week. These include the Alpha Course, which helps people explore the Christian faith. There are also 'King's Table' events, small 'Life groups', and special activities for children, young people, and students.
Where is Trinity Cheltenham?
The main church building is on Portland Street in Cheltenham. The church also owns other buildings nearby. These include Trinity House and Trinity Fusion, which are located behind the main church on Trinity Lane. The church offices are in Winchcombe House.
Who Leads Trinity Church?
Trinity Cheltenham has a team of leaders and staff who help run the church. They also have many volunteers who help with all the events and activities.
Main Leaders in 2023
- Reverend Andrew Blyth - Lead Pastor and Team Rector
- Reverend Tim Grew – Pastor and Team Vicar
- Hils Grew - Pastor
- Reverend Simon Fellows - Pastor and Curate
- Nicki Blyth - Women's Ministry
- Liz Lang - Churchwarden
- Barry Lambert - Churchwarden
Trinity Cheltenham's History
Trinity Church first opened its doors in 1824. It was created to help with the growing number of people attending the Parish Church in the town center. The first minister was Reverend Francis Close. He was the Rector of Cheltenham and later became the Dean of Carlisle Cathedral. The famous Dean Close School was named after him.
Growth and Changes
By 1976, Trinity Church was almost going to close. However, a retired missionary, Canon Lawrence Totty, helped bring new life to the church. After him, Reverend John Risdon and Reverend Paul Harris continued to help the church grow. They also helped it reach out to the local community.
In 1994, Mark Bailey became a pastor, and the church building was greatly improved. In 2000, Trinity House was bought. This three-story building is right behind the church.
As the church kept growing, it needed more space. By the end of 2004, the church started holding several services every Sunday. In 2005, the 'Trinity Growth Project' began. Most of the staff moved to new offices in Winchcombe House. In 2008, the church bought the Fusion Building. In 2009, the main church building was updated to hold almost 650 people.
Andrew Blyth became the Lead Pastor and Team Rector in 2017.
Helping Young People
In 2022, the church received a grant of £35,000. This money was given over three years by the Diocese of Gloucester’s LIFE Development Fund. It was used to start a new program called Spear. This program helps young people discover their talents and find jobs.
