The Church of the Holy Trinity is a congregation of nearly 200 families that are diverse in background and joined together in Christ's love. We are committed to serving each other and our neighbors.
Holy Trinity has a rich and varied history. We have seen triumphs and suffered hardships. Our walls once rang out with music from one of the most famous choirs of the area, and through our association with the Church of the Ascension (1921-1966), Holy Trinity experienced first-hand the segregation of race in society and the effects of the civil rights movement in Chester County.
Our ministries reach out across many areas of need. Friday Night Community Dinners feed the homeless and less fortunate, while the Adult Christian Education program and Sunday school build fellowship and help spread the 'Good News' of the Gospel. The Caregivers Group visits the sick and lonely and the Newcomers Committee welcomes everyone to our community. Of course, there are many other groups doing the work of the Lord here. To learn more, visit the ministries page.
Located in the heart of West Chester, Pennsylvania, the Church of the Holy Trinity has long been one of the landmarks in town. It's green serpentine stone walls and red doors have welcomed many generations of worshipers.
The Church was founded in 1835 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. Because of the turmoil of the Civil War the Church did not become permanently housed until 1870.
Over time, Holy Trinity grew and buildings were added and improved. By 1890s, the church had added a Sunday School building (now the Parish Hall), a rectory, a bell tower and Tiffany and LaFarge windows. During this period the famed Men and Boys Choir was also founded. It's reputation would grow to surpass all expectations, and for the 100 years of it's existence, the choir traveled the world, 'Making a joyful noise'.
Holy Trinity has a history of commitment to diversity. Part of that commitment is reflected in our remembrance and celebration of the Church of the Ascension, a predominantly African-American congregation that merged with Holy Trinity in 1966.
The Church of the Ascension was created in 1923 as a "mission church" of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, with the original congregants being confirmed by the Rev. John M. Gilbert, then Rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity.
The Church continued its growth and expanded its facilities by erecting a new facility at its location on East Gay Street in 1949. This small, neat, red brick church is still in use today as "Rice's Temple, AUMP," a congregation of the Union American Methodist Episcopal Church.
In the mid 1960s, the Department of Missions was encouraging desegregation across the diocese. Acting on a resolution of the Department, the congregations of the Church of the Ascension and The Church of the Holy Trinity, West Chester, merged on June 19, 1966. The little red brick church on East Gay Street was sold.
Holy Trinity's Chapel of the Comforter was renovated and renamed the Chapel of the Ascension as a "living memorial" and dedicated on May 20, 1971. Over the years, this chapel has become a source of comfort for many parishioners.
In June 2006, the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the merger was held.
From the beginning the Church has grown with the help and hands 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.
Of the spiritual and historical treasures acquired through the years there are some of singular note. The 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 LaFarge located behind the altar titled 'Three Holy Women.' Several windows underwent restoration in 2000 and are more illuminated than they have been in many years.
Holy Trinity has also persevered through many trials. In 1899, buttressing had to be added to keep the beautiful, but fragile, serpentine walls from caving in. In 1978 the bell tower had to be taken down. The weight of the bells had become too much for the stone work. But a few bells were disseminated throughout the area, and today several local churches feature an antique bell that first rang out here. In 1981 the tower was replaced with the Narthex that presently stands to welcome visitor, guests, tourists and parishioners. There have also been three major fires here; in 1877, 1957 and 1987. Each time, committed rebuilding has followed.
The Church of the Holy Trinity has many exciting plans for the future. An ongoing capital campaign aims at building a new Christian Formation wing, adding more structural support and restoring the existing church and parish hall. We recently reached a major milestone towards Phase 1 planning.