Trinity Church (Newport, Rhode Island) facts for kids
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Trinity Church
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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Front view of church and steeple
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | Queen Anne Square, Newport, Rhode Island |
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| Built | 1726/1698 |
| Architect | Richard Munday |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Newport Historic District (ID68000001) |
| NRHP reference No. | 68000004 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 24, 1968 |
| Designated NHL | November 24, 1968 |
| Designated NHLDCP | November 24, 1968 |
Trinity Church, located on Queen Anne Square in Newport, Rhode Island, is a very old and important church. It belongs to the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. This church was started in 1698, making it the oldest Episcopal church group in Rhode Island. In the mid-1700s, it had the biggest Anglican (another name for Episcopal) group in all of New England.
The building you see today was designed by an architect named Richard Munday. It was built between 1725 and 1726. It is one of the largest churches from the 1700s still standing in New England. Because of its history and design, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1968.
Contents
History of Trinity Church
Early Beginnings and Design
The church group in Newport, Rhode Island first started meeting around 1698. A governor named Richard Coote, the first Earl of Bellomont, asked for a minister to be sent from England. The very first church building was finished in 1700.
The current church building was constructed from 1725 to 1726. It was designed by a local builder, Richard Munday. He based his plans on churches he had seen in London. These London churches were designed by a famous architect named Christopher Wren. Trinity Church's design is very similar to the Old North Church in Boston. However, Trinity Church was built entirely out of wood.
Unique Features and Growth
Trinity Church is special because it is believed to be the only church with its original three-tiered "wineglass" pulpit. This pulpit is still in its first spot, right in the middle of the aisle, in front of the altar. The church building was made larger in 1762. Even with this change, it still looks much like it did originally, with its special box pews.
In 1733, a religious leader named George Berkeley gave the church its first organ. The wooden case of this organ is still there today. It is decorated with the Crown of England and the symbols of important archbishops. The first person to play the organ there was Charles Theodore Pachelbel. He was the son of a famous German composer named Johann Pachelbel.
Revolutionary Times and Famous Visitors
During the American Revolutionary War, the British Army used the church. This happened from 1776 to 1779. People in Newport say that George Washington attended services there in 1781. A French admiral named Chevalier de Ternay, who passed away in December 1780, is buried in the churchyard.
Another important person buried there is Sylvester Gardiner. In 1753, he bought a huge area of land in Maine. He then started a city there, which is now called Gardiner. Many members of the wealthy Vanderbilt family also attended the church. They would go there when they spent their summers in Newport.
Modern History and Appearances
A historical architect named Norman Isham helped restore parts of the church in the 1920s. Trinity Church has also been featured in several movies. These include Amistad, Moonrise Kingdom and Evening. The funeral service for former Rhode Island Senator Claiborne Pell was held at the church in January 2009.
See also
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Rhode Island
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Newport County, Rhode Island
Images for kids
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Inside view of the church
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1886 engraving
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1920 postcard
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1970 photo
