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175 Years of Tradition and Service
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Trinity's worship services began simply in a school house where The Park Church stands today. As a result of the commitment and organizational planning of Mrs. Thomas Hill (Auntie Hill), Damon Hatch and Harvey Luce, Trinity Church was incorporated as a parish on June 12, 1833. Its first recorded service was conducted by the Right Reverend B.T. Onderdonk, Bishop of the Diocese of New York. It became the Mother Church in Elmira as missions in both Big Flats and Horseheads began. As this "mission" grew, it was not long before Trinity became influential in its standing within the Diocese itself. It held that same title when the Diocese of Central New York was formed in 1867. Trinity Church is a parish of the Chemung District of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York, centered in Syracuse, New York. |
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The congregation enjoys the resources of a campus of four buildings: the Main Church or Sanctuary, the Arnot (Chapel) Building (deconsecrated), the Office Building, and the Parish Hall. The Main Church is the focal point of our facilities, having been enhanced over the years by memorial gifts. The Sanctuary is graced with memorial stained glass windows whose beauty and symbolism depict the life of Christ, the Church and the Saints. Most notable of these is the Tiffany window located on the north wall of the nave, just west of the Baptistry. This window portrays a figure clad in a suit of armor personifying "the Crusader." Also noteworthy is the Eldridge Memorial Window, executed by Godwin of Philadelphia and installed over the alter in 1888. At the time of its dedication it was described as the most beautiful and elaborate memorial window in Western New York.
The Arnot (Chapel) Building was consecrated in 1882, and having been deconsecrated, now serves to provide a home for the "Alpha Course", a ten-week practical introduction to the Christian Faith which offers answers to some key life questions. The lower level houses the meeting rooms for community support and recovery groups. The Office Building houses the Rector's and Parish Offices, the Library, the Vesting Sacristy, the Choir Room, and the Trinity Room (for large groups). The lower level of this building is the home of our Sunday School. The Parish Hall is gymnasium size with a vaulted ceiling. The hall contains a stage that is suited for both parish and professional performances. A commercial size kitchen is attached to the hall currently serves as the Elmira Free Community Kitchen.
Throughout its 175 historical years, Trinity Church has been under the leadership of 16 rectors. Each contributed to the Church's growth and expansion and the spiritual guidance and worship of its members. Our present Rector, the Rev. Dr. William C. Lutz, has been with us since September 1999. He has served parishes in New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and has served as Chaplain at St. Mark's School, Southborough, MA and the University of Vermont. Fr. Bill and his wife, Heather, live in West Elmira with their daughter, Hannah. Fr. Bill is one of two Campus Ministers at Elmira College, and is on the Board of Trustees of the General Theological Seminary in NYC. His doctorate is in New Member Ministry and feels called to Trinity to revitalize a rich tradition of mission and ministry which is Trinity Episcopal Church.
10/01/2007
Trinity Episcopal Church • 304 North Main Street • Elmira, NY, 14901
Phone: 607-732-3241 • Fax: 607-732-3894
trinitychurch1@earthlink.net
