This year, Trinity United Methodist Church celebrates its 150th anniversary of service and leadership to the community.
Established in 1854 and built in 1871, it is the oldest church in Port Townsend. It is housed in an equally significant building, not only to the area, but to the Pacific Northwest.
The church is one of the oldest Methodist churches in Washington, established when the state was just a territory. It is considered the oldest Methodist Church in the state in continuous operation in the same building.
“We are a part of the very rich, early history of Methodism in the region,” said Susan Harter to the congregation during a 2019 history lesson.
As a whole, Trinity was a big part of the Great Religious Migration at a time of navigating the new frontier, Harter added.
There is no doubt that a lot changes over 150 years. In the beginning, the church evolved just as the town was transforming amid railroad debacles, becoming a strategic fort, and moving to steam power. The building itself has also seen its share of repairs and renovations, new paint and new roofing over the century.
However, Trinity, as a church, has remained steadfast in a lot of things over 150 years.
“Trinity has always been active in serving the local community and the world through benevolent giving and active service,” wrote Trinity’s pastor Tony Brown in an email to The Leader.
Aside from providing a consistent message of God’s love for all, the church has been passionate about serving the community since its beginnings, helping others obtain food and shelter and emotional support. Through the funds raised from their Candlelight Concerts, they support local community organizations including the food bank, Habitat for Humanity, Jumping Mouse, Dove House, and many others.
Trinity also works with millions of other United Methodists to feed more than 1 million children a day while helping to provide access to clean water and basic healthcare worldwide.
“The number of people who have been helped having their basic needs met since the church was founded would be impossible to tally up,” Brown said.
Their church building is also used by numerous community groups and provides a space for drop-in child care programs. And with a new remodel project in the works, the church plans to provide a location for even more local organizations.
As a church, Trinity is also working to be on the forefront of issues they believe are important to the call of God, Brown said.
“We are a church that is open to all persons equally,” Brown explained.
“We are a reconciling congregation which means that we recognize that LGBTQAI+ persons are beautiful creations of God just like cisgendered heterosexual persons are. We responded to the call to eliminate racism in our country by starting a Social Justice group which has been active in raising awareness of the issues surrounding systemic racism.”
“Unfortunately, like the rest of the United States, most churches over the past 150 years have been behind the work to recognize and stand up against injustice and discrimination issues. We recognize the failures of the past and are working today to ensure we are leading in these issues,” Brown added.
Upholding diversity within the church is another part of their mission today. The pastor described the church as a loving family where newcomers can feel welcome and included.
“We have a diversity of persons of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds and LGBTQI+ members. It’s true we are a Christian church and the message of Jesus is proclaimed, but people attend who do not necessarily consider themselves to be Christians. We truly are a diverse church and that diversity allows us to hear and respond to the needs of many more persons. When I step into the church I feel freedom as a gay pastor to be who I am and to know that God loves me just as I am,” he said.
Today’s congregation is a small one with an average pre-COVID attendance of 80 members. However, the openness, as well as the diverse ways of thinking, continue to draw more and more people. With the number of churchgoers declining across the country, Trinity has been able to maintain a vibrant church community with their music, inspiring messages, open-mindedness, and their love of the community and the world.
“I’m proud of the people of the church,” the pastor explained. “If you took this group of 140 or so persons out of the community of Port Townsend, then I know that many people’s needs would go unmet. They are a very loving and giving group of persons who care about the local community and the world.”
To mark its 150th anniversary, Trinity will hold a celebration on Saturday, Aug. 7 and Sunday, Aug. 8.
An organ concert of hymns performed by Woody Bernas will take place on that Saturday. The church’s full history will be presented between the songs.
Beginning 10 a.m. Sunday, there will be a celebration service. It will begin with a land acknowledgement from the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe that will recognize their long history that preceded the church building.
There will also be an unveiling of their recent remodel project with lunch served afterward. All are welcome to attend.
"port" - Google News
July 16, 2021 at 01:36AM
https://ift.tt/3knJ3Ap
Oldest church in Port Townsend marks 150 years of service, leadership - Port Townsend Leader
"port" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2VXul6u
https://ift.tt/2WmIhpL
No comments:
Post a Comment