Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (Trenton, New Jersey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Trinity Cathedral |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Location in Mercer County, New Jersey
|
|
| 40°13′45.83″N 74°47′13.21″W / 40.2293972°N 74.7870028°W | |
| Location | 801 W. State St. Trenton, New Jersey |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Episcopal Church in the United States of America |
| History | |
| Founded | November 1, 1930 |
| Dedication | January 24, 1954 |
| Consecrated | 1965 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | P.L. Fowler Samuel Mountford A.E. Micklewright |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Specifications | |
| Height | 60 feet (18 m) |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | New Jersey |
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is an Episcopal cathedral located in Trenton, New Jersey, United States. A cathedral is the main church for a diocese, which is a church district led by a bishop. Trinity Cathedral is the main church for the Diocese of New Jersey.
Contents
History of Trinity Cathedral
Early Ideas for a Cathedral
The idea of having a main cathedral for the Diocese of New Jersey first came up in 1908. A church leader named Rev. Dr. Alfred Baker suggested it. The bishop at the time, Rt. Rev. John Scarborough, liked the idea. He created a group of church members to study how to make a cathedral system work.
In 1909, a plan was approved. A special group, called the Provisional Cathedral Chapter, was formed. In 1913, the Trustees of the Cathedral Foundation were set up to manage the cathedral's needs.
Becoming a Pro-Cathedral
Over the next few years, church meetings discussed how to raise money for a cathedral. By 1915, Bishop Scarborough had passed away. The new bishop, Rt. Rev. Paul Matthews, believed in the work a cathedral could do.
He accepted an offer from Christ Church in Trenton to become a "pro-cathedral." This meant it would serve as a temporary main church. This helped people see what the diocese and cathedral could achieve. A group called the Cathedral League was created to help with the work and raise funds. In 1919, Rev. Baker became the first Dean of the Cathedral. A Dean is a senior leader in a cathedral.
Trinity Church Becomes the Cathedral
On April 24, 1930, Bishop Matthews suggested that Trinity Church in Trenton should become the official diocesan cathedral. The leaders of Trinity Church agreed. Christ Church, the pro-cathedral, also supported the idea.
On November 1, 1930, Trinity Church officially became Trinity Cathedral. Soon after, Trinity and All Saints Church decided to join together. This merger allowed the diocese to get more land around the All Saints location. This extra space was needed for the new cathedral building.
On January 25, 1931, Bishop Matthews was officially welcomed into Trinity Cathedral. This ceremony is called an "enthronement." The crypt, which is an underground room, of the current cathedral building was started in 1935 and finished a year later. The main cathedral building was dedicated on January 24, 1954. It was officially consecrated (made sacred) in 1965. Today, the cathedral also serves as a regular church for its local community.
_-_Trenton.JPG)
Architecture and Design
Main Cathedral Building
The Trinity Cathedral was designed by P.L. Fowler, Samuel Mountford, and A.E. Micklewright. It was built in the Gothic Revival style. This style looks back to the grand churches of the Middle Ages. The roof of the cathedral stands about 60 feet (18 m) tall.
Inside, the main altar is made of rose-colored marble. It sits on two platforms of green Italian marble. In the north part of the church, there is the Caesarea Altar. This altar has carved figures of the Twelve Apostles. The south part of the church holds Elizabeth's Chapel. This chapel has 14 Russian Icons and a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and child.
The Crypt
Below the main cathedral is the crypt. This underground area follows the Norman style. This style is known for its round arches and octagon-shaped pillars. The altar in the crypt is made of sandstone. Behind it is a reredos, which is a decorated screen. This reredos shows images of Moses with the Tablets and St. John the Evangelist.
Former All Saints Church
The building that used to be All Saints Church was built in 1896. Today, it is known as the Synod Hall. A beautiful rose window in the former choir area shows symbols of the Holy Trinity. The old reredos at the back of the room displays the seal of the diocese. It also has shields representing the Apostles. Stained glass windows in this area show images of saints and important church leaders.
All Saints Chapel
The All Saints Chapel is also called the Bishop Urban Memorial Chapel. It is named after the cathedral's first dean. This chapel features a carved Rood Screen. This screen separates the nave (where people sit) from the chancel (where the altar is). On top of the screen, there is a carving of Christ on the cross. His mother Mary and the apostle John are shown beside him.
The stained glass windows in the chancel tell the story of Mary's life. They show her mother Anne, her father Joachim, her cousin Elizabeth, and the Flight into Egypt. Windows in the nave show prophets from the Old Testament and saints from the Anglican tradition. The Stations of the Cross, which are a series of images showing Jesus's final journey, were made by a Chinese immigrant artist. The three bells in the chapel's spire came from the original Trinity Church. They were a gift from the City of Trenton to celebrate the end of the American Civil War.
See also
