Trinity Episcopal Church is located in Hamilton's historic Dayton Lane neighborhood, where the parish has served its hometown since 1823. Sunday worship centers on Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. Beyond worship, Trinity is known for neighbor-centered work: a free clothing closet, three weekly recovery meetings, and lay ministers who bring Communion and spiritual support to people who cannot travel.
A Dayton Lane Parish Open Across Differences
Trinity describes its community as diverse, inclusive and affirming, with people of every age, sexual orientation, color and ethnicity involved. The parish says there are no exceptions to its welcome and that people at any point in their faith journey have a place there. Theological differences are left at the door as the community gathers for worship and Holy Communion. All baptized Christians, regardless of age or denomination, are invited and encouraged to receive the sacraments.
The mission described at Trinity is to carry out the mission work given through the word and works of Jesus Christ, viewing the world in terms of what can be done for it rather than what it can do for the church. The community says it is bound together by love of God and neighbors. Its welcome is joined to service through the clothing closet, recovery groups, monthly fellowship and the work of lay Eucharistic ministers.
Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays
Sunday worship is Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 115 N. 6th Street, Hamilton. Trinity uses Rite II with music on all Sundays except the last Sunday of each month, when the service follows Rite I without music. The monthly pattern gives the parish two forms of Eucharistic worship within the same Sunday rhythm.
Sunday worship is also livestreamed through Trinity's YouTube channel, making the 9:30 a.m. gathering available to people who cannot be in the church building.
Trinity's Free Clothes Closet
The clothing closet is open to the public on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. It is located in the basement and reached through the parking lot entrance. Run by Trinity volunteers, the closet is intended to help people facing financial hardship, including people who are homeless. Shoppers sign in at the door and may come twice each month. Shoppers may take one bag of clothing, with bags provided.
Selection includes women's, men's and children's clothing, as well as shoes and hygiene products, bedding, children's toys and books. Donations of clothing, shoes and bedding are welcome during open hours. Items should be clean, stain-free and without holes. The closet also provides hygiene bags with items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush when supplies allow. Clothing for infants through adults is welcomed, along with coats, undergarments, socks, purses, belts, hats and gloves.
Volunteers sort clothing and help shoppers during open hours. People who cannot bring donations during those times may leave a message on the church office phone to arrange another drop-off. Donations and volunteer work are both part of Trinity's direct outreach to Hamilton and its neighbors.
Recovery Meetings Fill the Fellowship Hall
Trinity hosts three recurring 12-step meetings in its fellowship hall. A Narcotics Anonymous meeting is held Wednesdays at 7 p.m.; the Women of Hope NA meeting is held Thursdays at 7 p.m.; and an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting is held Fridays at 8:30 p.m. The regular schedule gives recovery groups a consistent place to gather at the church.
Trinity's Lay Eucharistic Minister Volunteers are trained to visit homebound people and those in medical facilities or nursing homes. They administer Communion and provide spiritual support, carrying the parish's sacramental and pastoral care beyond the church building.
The Episcopal Church Women and Sunday Brunch
The Episcopal Church Women meet monthly for a luncheon and program. The group also gathers on Sundays for brunch, with dates varying from month to month. This monthly gathering provides fellowship alongside the regular Sunday Eucharist, weekday clothing closet and evening recovery meetings.
Jennifer Elliott serves as the church's Music Director. Music is part of the customary Sunday pattern, when Rite II includes music and the last Sunday of the month uses the music-free Rite I format.
Ministerial Leadership Rooted in Service
The Rev. Kurt Unangst is Trinity's rector. He grew up in Geauga County and attended Calvin University, studying sociology and criminal justice. Before ordained ministry, he worked for 19 years with the State of Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services, based in the Grand Rapids Public Schools, and was a member of United Auto Workers Local 6000.
His path to ministry took shape with the clergy and laity of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids. He graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2022 with a Master of Divinity and a concentration in New Mission Practice, then interned for two years at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He subsequently served as curate at St. Isidore's Episcopal Church and rector at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in the Houston area before joining Trinity.
A Church Office in the Afternoon
The church office is open Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and by appointment. Its contact details are 513-896-6755 and trinitychurchhamilton@gmail.com. A message on the office phone can also be used to arrange a clothing donation drop-off outside the closet's regular hours.
One-Time and Recurring Giving
Trinity accepts one-time and recurring gifts by credit card or bank withdrawal. Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express are accepted, and a receipt is emailed automatically when a transaction is completed. Donors may use the church's secure online giving form.
At 115 N. 6th Street in historic Dayton Lane, Trinity's parish life combines Sunday Eucharist, an open welcome and practical service to neighbors. The church that has served Hamilton since 1823 continues that work through worship, fellowship, recovery support, volunteer ministry and giving.