In downtown Columbus, Georgia, Trinity Episcopal Church is known for two Sunday Eucharists, music at the 10:30 service, education for every generation, and a long record of service in Columbus. Founded in 1834, the parish worships at 1130 First Avenue and carries forward a history that stretches from an organizing meeting in a family home to a Saint Francis Fund that channels grants into local work.
Two Sunday Eucharists and a Midweek Healing Service
Every Sunday throughout the year, Trinity holds two principal services: Holy Eucharist, Rite I at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel and Holy Eucharist, Rite II at 10:30 a.m. in the Nave. Trinity's worship is reverent and formal, yet intentionally welcoming to people at every stage of faith. The pattern follows the Book of Common Prayer: the congregation acknowledges the holiness of God, hears God's word, offers prayer and celebrates the sacraments. The Holy Eucharist, also called holy communion or the Lord's Supper, is celebrated at most worship services.
The 10:30 service centers on music, preaching and the participation of everyone present. It is the church's principal livestream, beginning every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time, and past services are available on YouTube. On Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m., Trinity also celebrates Healing Eucharist, Rite II in the Chapel.
Arriving at First Avenue
Trinity's main entrance is on the covered porch facing First Avenue. Its parking lot is just north of the church at First Avenue and 12th Street, and on-street parking is usually available along First Avenue. Accessible parking spaces are located in the church lot. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon; visitors can ring the bell for access during office hours.
From a Home Meeting to Trinity's Present Building
On August 17, 1834, six years after the City of Columbus was established, a group met in the home of Dr. Edwin Louis de Graffenried at the southeast corner of what is now First Avenue and Twelfth Street. They organized an Episcopal church without a rector, bishop or building. That December, the Georgia General Assembly enacted the articles of the Columbus Episcopal Church. Trinity was Georgia's fifth Episcopal church.
Trinity's founders also bought a lot on the west side of First Avenue, directly across from the present location. Old Trinity was completed in 1837, the Rev. William D. Cairns became the first rector, and the first Divine Service in the building was held on June 4, 1837. The cornerstone of the present church was laid in 1890. The congregation moved in on August 2, 1891, and the formal dedication took place on May 22, 1892.
Three elements survive from the original church. The Hyslop bell is a 900-pound bell given in 1837 by New York merchant Robert Hyslop. Marble memorial tablets honor Rectors Cairns and Hawks, and the altar cross dates to 1879. A parish house was added in 1925 and 1926 and expanded in 1965. The parish hall and kitchen, completed in 1991, remain the latest addition to Trinity's complex.
The Episcopal Middle Way at Trinity
Trinity belongs to the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, a group of 104 worshipping communities in Middle and North Georgia, as well as the nationwide Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Episcopal Church's identity is both catholic and reformed, combining a commitment to liturgical and sacramental traditions with the ministry of bishops, priests, deacons and laypeople, and guidance from Holy Scripture and prayer. Its stated path is the via media, or middle way.
That identity is expressed in Trinity's mission to build a Spirit-empowered community that serves and celebrates Christ. Its baptismal covenant calls Episcopalians to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being. Trinity extends a particular welcome to people of all backgrounds and to those at different points in their faith journey.
Children Learn, Worship and Play
Between services, coffee and continental breakfast foods are served in the Parish Hall beginning at 9:00 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, children gather upstairs for Sunday school, where they hear Scripture stories, sing songs, play games and make crafts. The class ends around 10:20 a.m., in time for Children's Chapel during the 10:30 service. Younger children take part in age-appropriate religious formation, art activities and games, then rejoin their families later for communion and prayers.
The Trinity Nursery welcomes children ages three and under from 9:15 a.m. until the end of the 10:30 service. Trained staff provide care on Sundays and special occasions. The nursery has toys and baby supplies, plus an adjoining quiet room for a child who needs to nap or nurse. It is on the main level of the Trinity office, near the Chapel.
On the first Sunday of each month throughout the school year, normally August through May, First Sunday Funday brings children together after the 10:30 service for lunch, games, art activities and religious education hosted by the clergy and children's ministry team.
Youth and Adult Learning
Trinity's youth community is open to middle school and high school students and meets upstairs from 9:30 to 10:20 a.m. on Sundays for donuts, formation and fellowship. On the third Sunday of each month, the group meets at church and walks downtown together to a cafe or the river. Confirmation preparation is open to youth in sixth grade or above, with classes generally held during winter.
Adult Sunday School meets upstairs at 9:30 a.m. on most Sundays. Laypeople and clergy lead classes on varied aspects of Christian belief and practice, sometimes joined by guest speakers. Trinity also offers retreats, Bible studies, lecture series and short-term intensive studies, including opportunities geared toward newcomers and adults preparing for confirmation or reception in the Episcopal Church. Occasional Wednesday suppers and evening programs are offered for all ages.
The Stoller Scholarship, established from the estate of member Richard H. Stoller, awards one or more scholarships each year to students in the Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Convocation attending college or trade school. Preference goes to undergraduate members of Trinity and Episcopal churches in the convocation.
Choir and Organ Music Fill the Nave
During the 10:30 service, the men and women of Trinity's choir sing a wide-ranging repertoire of sacred music and lead the congregation in worship. The choir includes volunteer parishioners and students from the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, whose participation is supported in part by scholarships funded by members of the congregation. Trinity also welcomes guest musicians and hosts special concerts during the year.
Prayer Breakfast and the Saint Francis Fund
At 7:30 a.m. on Sundays, Trinity hosts a Prayer Breakfast that is open to everyone. Following a brief devotional, members cook and serve a hot meal in the Parish Hall. The longstanding practice is part of the church's mission to serve people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity, making hospitality and a shared meal concrete expressions of the parish's commitment to those neighbors.
The Saint Francis Fund began in 1992 when members proposed raising $1 million over ten years for programs addressing suffering and need. By 2002, the fund had awarded $1,110,397 in grants locally and abroad. Trinity set a second ten-year goal of $2 million for 2003 through 2012 and ultimately recorded $2,989,439.24 in disbursements over the fund's first 20 years. Its grants focus on projects and programs in the Columbus area, with a volunteer parish committee considering applications and emergency relief efforts.
The fund's name comes from Saint Francis of Assisi's appeal to be made an instrument of God's peace. At Trinity, it expresses the baptismal commitment to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to love one's neighbor as oneself.
Guilds and Lay Service
Worship at Trinity involves a wide circle of lay volunteers:
- Acolytes from early elementary through high school serve on rotating teams at the 10:30 service.
- The Altar Guild prepares the altar, Sanctuary and Chapel; the Flower Guild arranges flowers and greenery; and the Linen Guild maintains the linens and ornate brocades used in worship.
- Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist clergy with Holy Communion and may bring the sacrament to people who are ill or otherwise unable to attend church.
- Lectors read the appointed Scripture lessons, while vergers maintain the order of worship and assist other ministers.
- The Intercessory Prayer Team offers private prayer and spiritual comfort in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit during Holy Communion at the 10:30 service.
- Ushers welcome newcomers and visitors, assist with the offering and Communion, and serve at funerals and other special services.
Parish organizations extend that service beyond the sanctuary:
- The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew organizes men's ministry around prayer, study and service.
- The Daughters of the King is a lay religious order devoted to lifelong prayer, service and evangelism; Trinity's chapter fosters fellowship and service among women.
- St. Lydia's Guild meets monthly for dinner and fellowship and raises funds for projects within and beyond the parish.
- The Guild of the Christ Child helps make Baptism memorable and welcomes infants into the parish family.
- The Parish Life Committee organizes the congregation's response to families in times of transition or need, with assistance including funeral visitations or receptions and flower or meal deliveries.
Clergy, Music and Children's Ministry Leaders
The Rev. Dr. Timothy H. Graham is Trinity's 34th rector, a role he began in August 2012. Ordained in 1996, he previously served as rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Covington, associate rector at St. Michael's in Raleigh and Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens, and Episcopal chaplain at the University of Georgia. The Rev. Andrew T. Blakemore is associate rector. He graduated from Candler School of Theology in 2020 and previously served as a chaplain resident at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, a seminarian at Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur and director of youth ministries at St. Columba's in Suwanee.
Joseph Golden has served as organist and choirmaster since 1983, bringing experience as a conductor, composer, organist, jazz keyboardist and voice teacher. Dr. Aesook Moon serves as associate organist and choirmaster. A collaborative pianist at the Schwob School of Music since 2009, she has degrees in organ performance and experience in church music, teaching and solo recitals. Rickeya Ware leads Children's Chapel.
Stewardship and Memorial Flowers
Trinity's annual stewardship campaign invites members to make a financial pledge for the coming year. Pledges help pay salaries, maintain the building, provide insurance and utilities, and fund ministry programs; they are not legally binding and may be changed. Beyond annual giving, planned gifts to the parish endowment are intended to leave an impact for future generations. Online giving and pledge options are available.
The flower fund supports altar and nave arrangements throughout the year, including memorials and thanksgivings for loved ones, friends and special occasions. Special flower gifts are also organized for Christmas and Easter, the high points of the church's liturgical year.
Trinity's Sunday rhythm brings these strands together: Eucharist at 8:30 and 10:30, formation at 9:30, children and families present throughout the morning, and music shaping the principal service. Its history, Prayer Breakfast, Saint Francis Fund and guilds all reflect the identity of a downtown Columbus congregation that has served First Avenue since 1891.