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, found on Queen Anne Square in Newport, Rhode Island, is a very old and important church. It's part of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. Started in 1698, it is the oldest Episcopal church group in the state. In the mid-1700s, this church was home to the largest Anglican (a type of Christian church) group in all of New England.
The church building you see today was designed by architect Richard Munday. It was built between 1725 and 1726. It is one of the largest churches from the 1700s that is still standing in New England. Because of its history, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1968.
Contents
History of Trinity Church
Early Beginnings: Founding the Church
The church group in Newport, Rhode Island first started meeting around 1698. People wanted a minister from England to come to Rhode Island. The first church building was put up in 1700.
Building the Current Church: A Design Inspired by London
The church building we see now was built between 1725 and 1726. It was designed by a local builder named Richard Munday. He based his plans on churches he had seen in London. These were designed by a famous architect named Sir Christopher Wren. Trinity Church's design is very much like the Old North Church in Boston. However, Trinity Church was built completely out of wood.
It is thought to be the only church building that still has its special three-tiered, wineglass-shaped pulpit in its original spot. This pulpit is right in the middle of the aisle, in front of the altar. The building was made bigger in 1762. But it still looks mostly like it did when it was first built, with its original box pews (enclosed seating areas).
Special Gifts and Famous Musicians
In 1733, a religious leader named George Berkeley gave the church its first organ. The organ's wooden case is still there today. It is decorated with the Crown of England and the special hats (called mitres) of the archbishops of Canterbury and York. The first person to play the organ there was Charles Theodore Pachelbel. He was the son of the famous German composer Johann Pachelbel.
War, Presidents, and Important Burials
During the American Revolutionary War, the British Army used the church as a garrison (a military base) from 1776 to 1779. People in the area say that George Washington himself attended services here in 1781. A French admiral named Chevalier de Ternay, who passed away in December 1780, is buried in the churchyard (the cemetery next to the church).
Another important person buried here is Dr. Sylvester Gardiner. In 1753, he bought a huge area of Maine wilderness. He then started what is now the city of Gardiner. Many members of the wealthy Vanderbilt family also attended this church when they spent their summers in Newport.
Trinity Church in Movies and Modern Times
Trinity Church has 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
Gallery
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1886 engraving
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1920 postcard
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1970 photo
