Trinity Episcopal Church (Houston) facts for kids
Trinity Church is a historic church located in Midtown, Houston, Texas. It is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, serving as a local parish church.
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A Look Back: Trinity's History
Trinity Church began in 1893. It started as a small mission from Christ Church in an area of Houston once called "Fairground Addition," which is now known as Midtown. This makes Trinity the second-oldest Episcopal church in Houston.
For a time, Trinity was one of the largest Episcopal churches. Famous people like news anchor Walter Cronkite and heart surgeon Denton Cooley were once members. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, many church members moved to the suburbs, and the church's membership decreased. Since the 2000s, more people have joined Trinity Church, and its membership has been growing steadily.
Important Leaders and Community Help
Over the years, five of Trinity's rectors (the main priests) went on to become bishops in the Episcopal Church. Another rector became a dean of a cathedral. In September 2007, Reverend Hannah E. Atkins became Trinity's fifteenth rector.
In 1990, Trinity Church helped start the Lord of the Streets Mission. This mission helps people experiencing homelessness in Houston. Even though Lord of the Streets is now a separate organization, its services are still held at Trinity Church.
The Church Building: A Special Design
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Trinity Church
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Trinity Church during Houston's 2004 Christmas Eve Snowstorm
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| Built | 1919 |
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| Architect | Cram and Ferguson |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 83004481 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 26, 1983 |
The church building you see today was finished in 1919. It is designed in a style called neo-Gothic, which looks like older European churches. The famous architectural company Cram and Ferguson designed it. This same company also designed several buildings at Rice University and the Julia Ideson Building for the Houston Public Library.
Art and Music Inside
The Morrow Chapel inside the church was updated in 2002. It features beautiful stained glass windows, artwork, and special church furnishings. These pieces were created by talented artists like Kim Clark Renteria, Kermit Oliver, Troy Woods, Shazia Sikander, and Selven O’Keef Jarmon. The church also has a large pipe organ from 1918, which was recently restored so it can be played again.
What Happens at Trinity Today?
Trinity Church offers many activities for people of all ages. There are different ways to grow spiritually and many programs to help others in the community.
The church also hosts special events throughout the year. These include an annual Animal Blessing in the autumn and a Jazz Festival in the winter. Sometimes, there are Sunday-evening concerts and special worship services. These services include Choral Evensong and sung Compline by the Trinity Choir, as well as worship in the Taizé style.
See also
