Church  of the Holy Trinity - Episcopal

212 High  Street, West Chester, PA 19382  (610) 696-4640
 
 

History of the Church of the Holy Trinity

The Church of the Holy Trinity is an  Episcopal Church founded in 1835, shortly before the Civil War, under the  guiding hands of Anthony Bolmar and the Reverend Levi Bull. At first the young  Church was nothing more than a commitment to a Christian ideal and a place  to meet. The first services were held in the Odd Fellows Hall on North Church  Street in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Because of the turmoil of the Civil  War the Church did not become permanently housed until 1870. It stands today  with its Victorian architectural heritage and serpentine stone construction  still intact on the corner of Union and High Streets in West Chester.

From the beginning the Church has grown  with the help and hand of its parishioners. In 1882 the Church erected a Parish  building to accommodate the community functions and ministries for which the  Holy Trinity is noted. Later, in 1886, a rectory (parish house) was added.  In 1890 the carillon and bell tower were added and in 1935 its first permanent  organ was installed. Holy Trinity has also seen its share of disasters and  personal tragedies. In 1978 the carillon had to be demolished because of the  wear that nature weighted on the beautiful green serpentine stone. In 1981  the carillon was replaced with the Narthex that presently stands to welcome  visitor, guests, tourists and parishioners.

Of the spiritual and historical treasures  acquired through the years there are some of singular note. The Crusaders  Cross created by Clark Fitzgerald which was suspended over the altar as a reminder  that we are all "soldiers of the Cross." The cross was taken down in 2001.  T he Louis Tiffany stained glass  window in the rear of the Church is one of the first and very few remaining  in existence. The Tiffany window complements the window created by John La  Farge located behind the altar titled "Three Holy Women."  Both windows have undergone restoration in 2000 and are more illuminated then they have been in many years.

The Church of the Holy Trinity today as  it did in 1835 stands as a Christian place of spiritual refuge for all those  who enter her doors and all are welcome.