Trinity Church (Elmira, New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Empire Sports of the Southern Tier
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Elmira, New York |
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| Built | 1855 |
| Architect | Dudley, Henry; et al. |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 07001122 |
| Added to NRHP | October 31, 2007 |
Trinity Church in Elmira, New York, started as a church community in 1833. It is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York. The church building you see today is at 304 North Main Street in Elmira. It was designed by architect Henry Dudley and built between 1855 and 1858. This building is special because of its beautiful Gothic Revival architecture, which looks like old European cathedrals. In 2007, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, a list of important historical sites in the United States. In 2023, the building was bought by Ryan McFall Enterprises and is being changed into the Empire Sports of the Southern Tier.
Contents
The Story of Trinity Church
How Trinity Church Began
The very first Episcopal church service in Elmira happened on May 16, 1832. It was led by Bishop Benjamin Treadwell Onderdonk. More services were held in 1833. On June 12, 1833, the Trinity Church community officially started. James D. Carder helped set it up, and Rev. Thomas Clark became its first leader.
Early Worship Places
Trinity Church's first services were held in a school house. This is where Park Church stands today. The church community was small but very excited. As more people joined, they needed a bigger place to meet.
Building the First Church
Even with little money, the church members worked together. They gave their time, energy, and building materials. A new church building was finished in December 1836. It was located at Church Street and Railroad Avenue. This first church was officially opened on August 27, 1837, by Bishop Benjamin Treadwell Onderdonk.
The Current Church Building
The church building that stands today at Church and Main Streets was designed by Henry Dudley. The first stone for this building was laid on July 26, 1855. The very first service in this new building happened on July 4, 1858. It was officially opened on April 5, 1866, after all the building costs were paid off.
The Arnot Memorial Chapel
The Arnot Memorial Chapel is another important part of the church. It was designed by architect Richard M. Upjohn. Its first stone was laid in 1880, and it was officially opened on November 28, 1882. The chapel was built with gifts from Mariana Tuttle Arnot-Ogden. She wanted it to remember her parents, sister, and husband. The main stained-glass window in the chapel was made by Donald MacDonald of Boston. It shows symbols for the four people the chapel remembers. The inside of the chapel was decorated by Cyrus L. W. Eidlitz.
Leaders of Trinity Church
Here are the main leaders, called Rectors, who have served Trinity Church over the years:
- The Rev. Thomas Clark - July 20, 1833 - 1836
- The Rev. Richard Smith - February 29, 1836 - May 1838
- The Rev. Gordon Winslow - June 1838 - June 1841
- The Rev. Kendrick Metcalf, D.D. - 1841 - 1842
- The Rev. Stephen Douglas - 1842 -1844
- The Rev. Washington VanZandt - February 1844 - February 1847
- The Rev. Dr. Andrew D. Hull, D.D. - July 1849 - 1866
- The Rev. William Paret - 1866 - April 1869
- The Rev. George H. McKnight, D.D. - July 1869 - 1905
- The Rev. Charles McKnight - 1906 - September 1911
- The Rev. Herbert L. Hannah - December 1911 - January 1917
- The Rev. Henry E. Hubbard - June 1917 - August 1953
- The Rev. David Kingman - September 1953 December 1974
- The Rev. John C. Humphries, Jr. - September 1975 - December 1997
- The Rev. Dr. William C. Lutz - September 1999– 2022
