Trinity Episcopal Church (Caro, Michigan) facts for kids
Trinity Episcopal Church
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![]() The church in November, 2014
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Location | 106 Joy St., Caro, Michigan |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1881 |
Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
NRHP reference No. | 75000961 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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Added to NRHP | May 12, 1975 |
Trinity Episcopal Church (also known as Trinity Nazarene Church) is a very old and special building. It is located at 106 Joy Street in Caro, Michigan. This church building is important because it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This means it is recognized as a place with historical value.
Contents
History of Trinity Episcopal Church
Early Beginnings and Building the Church
A group of people who wanted to worship together formed the Trinity Episcopal Church in 1871. At first, they did not have regular services. By 1877, they were more organized. They had a pastor and held services often.
The group started planning to build their own church in 1880. Construction began in 1881. The church building was finished before Christmas that same year.
Changes Over the Years
The church was very active for many years. However, in the 1920s, fewer people attended the Episcopal services. The church group eventually stopped meeting in 1929.
In 1934, the building was sold. A different church group, the Church of the Nazarene, bought it. This group had started in 1916. They used the building until 1974, when they built a new church for themselves.
Saving the Historic Building
After the Church of the Nazarene moved out, the town of Caro planned to tear down the old church. But people who cared about old buildings stepped in. These "preservationists" worked to save the church from being destroyed.
The building was later bought by the City of Caro. As of 2017, it was being used by the Thumb Area Center for the Arts. This shows how old buildings can find new purposes.
What Does Trinity Episcopal Church Look Like?
Outside the Church
Trinity Episcopal Church is built in a style called Gothic Revival. It is made of wood and sits on a stone foundation. The outside walls are covered with a special type of siding called "board and batten."
The building has an "L" shape. It has two main parts: a worship area (sanctuary) and a community room (parish hall). There is a large square tower on one corner. This tower has a flat, castle-like top. A smaller tower with a pointy roof sits on top of the parish hall.
The front of the church has fancy wooden trim called "bargeboard." It also has a unique, large round window. The other windows on the outside are tall and narrow with pointed tops. They have special glass inserts made of leaded glass.
Inside the Church
When you go inside, you first enter a small entrance area called a vestibule. This area also has pointed windows. After the vestibule, you enter the main worship area, the sanctuary.
Inside the sanctuary, you will see pews (church benches). The doors, wooden wall panels (wainscoting), and window frames are all made of dark wood. The high, pointed roof above is supported by strong wooden beams called "hammerbeam trusses."