Trinity Episcopal Church (Clarksville, Tennessee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Trinity Church and Rectory
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Front of the church
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 317 Franklin St., Clarksville, Tennessee |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1875 |
| Architect | Andrewartha, John; Conroy, John |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| MPS | Nineteenth Century Churches in Clarksville TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004035 |
| Added to NRHP | April 06, 1982 |
Trinity Episcopal Church is a very old and important church located at 317 Franklin Street in Clarksville, Tennessee. This church and its rectory (which is the house where the church's leader lives) are recognized as historic places. They are officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places as "Trinity Church and Rectory." This means they are special buildings that are protected because of their history.
Contents
A Look Back at Trinity Church's History
Trinity Episcopal Church has a long and interesting past. It is one of the five oldest Episcopal churches in the entire state of Tennessee. The church community, called a parish, was started way back in 1832.
The First Church Building
The very first church building for Trinity Episcopal was finished in 1838. This was a big deal for Clarksville. It was only the second permanent church building ever built in the city. Before Trinity, only a Methodist church had been built a few years earlier.
Staying Open During the Civil War
Trinity Church played an important role during the American Civil War. Even when the Union Army took control of Clarksville, the church managed to stay open. The church's leader at the time, Reverend Samuel Ringgold, talked to the Union leaders. He convinced them that having a place for "decent and orderly" worship was important. He believed it was more important than any political disagreements or even the war itself.
The Current Church Building
The original church building was taken down in 1873. A new, much grander building was then constructed in its place.
Building Design and Construction
The current church building was completed in 1877. It is built in a style called Romanesque. This style often uses round arches and strong, sturdy walls. The church is made from rough-cut gray stone, which gives it a very classic and solid look. The rectory, the house for the church leader, was built a few years later in 1883. A separate building for church activities, called a parish house, was added in 1916.
Keeping History Alive
Over the years, the church has had some updates. Renovations were done in the 1920s and again in the 1980s. These updates were carefully planned to keep the church looking like its original design. This helped maintain its historic feel and importance.
A Challenge and Restoration
Trinity Church and Rectory were officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This was a recognition of their historical value.
The 1999 Tornado
On January 22, 1999, a powerful tornado hit Clarksville. This tornado caused a lot of damage to the church property. The parish house was completely destroyed. Part of the church's tall steeple was knocked over, and the church roof was badly damaged.
Rebuilding and Recovery
After the tornado, the community worked hard to restore the church. The main church building was carefully repaired and brought back to its original beauty. A brand new parish house was also built to replace the one that was destroyed. This showed the strength and dedication of the church community.
