[ [http://www.trinitychurch.us/History.htm Trinity Episcopal Church official website hisotry page] . Retrieved September 29, 2008.] ]History of Trinity
Trinity is a prize example of 19th century ecclesiastical gothic architecture that would not have been possible without the financial backing and vision of two illustrious Williamsport residents, Peter Herdic and Eber Culver.
Peter Herdic was an entrepreneur and Williamsport mayor in the 1860’s and 1870’s. Eber Culver designed and oversaw the construction of the 218-foot spire and Fred G. Thorn designed the floor plans for the church.
The cornerstone for the church was laid on Saturday, July 15, 1871. The stone that embraces Trinity’s face was quarried from Bald Eagle Mountain. All total, Peter Herdic underwrote the cost of the construction, and donated the organ and tower clock – amazingly he spent $80,000.
In 1884, Judge Maynard donated land for the Rectory to be erected. Later, in 1875, Peter Herdic donated the clock and Judge Maynard donated the nine-bell chime. The chimes mechanism was designed by the Howard Clock Company to sound the “Cambridge Quarters” (or more commonly known as the “Westminister” chimes). The chime was first played on Christmas Eve, 1875. The chimes (bells) combine weight is 8,500 pounds, with the largest bell weighing 2,300 pounds.
The Parish Hall and Chapel was built around 1914 from money donated by the estate of Amanda Howard.
On Sunday, February 13, 1977, an arsonist set fire to a pile of hymnals and prayer books in the church chapel. This was the second fire he had set this evening. The other fire that was set took place at [http://www.pinestreetumc.com/ Pine Street United Methodist Church] , which unfortunately was not saved from the destruction of flames. It was fortunate for Trinity, however that a passer-by smelled smoke and saw the flames and called the fire department, who responded quickly, dousing the fire containing the damage to the chapel area. The heat from the fire damaged the organs pipes.
The summer of 2000 marked the end of a significant project. The restoration and repointing of the stonework that adornes the face of the church.
Music at Trinity
Music is a valued part of Trinity’s past, present and future. The organ in the main church was built and installed by Austin Organs, Incorporated. It contains 2,031 pipes, comprised of three manual divisions and pedals arranged in 35 ranks and 2 extensions.
unday Worship Schedule
WORSHIP SERVICES begin at 8:00 AM in the Chapel and 10:30 AM in the Main Church (Summer Hours - 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM). There is a youth contemporary service on the first Sunday of each month from 9:15 to 10:15 in the Youth Room.
Community Outreach
In addition to church services, it is home to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, [ [http://www.geocities.com/hotsprings/villa/6054/ Alcoholics Anonymous Of Greater Williamsport, PA official website hisotry page] . Retrieved September 29, 2008.] [ [ [http://www.aaharrisburg.org/MeetingSchedules/GreaterWilliamsport(48).htm Alcoholics Anonymous Of Harrisburg website] . Retrieved September 29, 2008.] lectures, ["A Listening Heart: Meditation on the Way of the Cross, Twelfth Station" for Good Friday at Trinity Episcopal Church, Williamsport PA, 4/14/2006. Found at [http://srv2.lycoming.edu/~knauth/resume.htm Lycoming College website page for Robin J. DeWitt Knauth, Department of Religion] . Retrieved September 29, 2008.] and other ministries. [Eric Long, "Have church, will travel: Interim pastors fill unique role in a transitional ministry," "Sun Gazette", May 17, 2008, found at [http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/510438.html?nav=5015 "Sun Gazette" website] . Retrieved September 29, 2008.] [Education for Ministry, see [http://www.salem.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1342&Itemid=895 Salem College website Outstanding Alumnae Awards 2008 page on Nancy Walker Marchal '58] . Retrieved September 29, 2008.] [Campus ministry, see [http://www.lycoming.edu/whatsnew/williamsport3.htm Lycoming College website Welcome to Williamsport, PA page] . Retrieved September 29, 2008.]
GPS Placement
GPS Coordinates: N41 14.383 W77 01.128
References
External links
* [http://www.trinitychurch.us/ Trinity Episcopal Church official website]
* [http://www.diocesecpa.org/regionlist.cfm Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania official website]
* [http://www.pinestreetumc.com/ Pine Street United Methodist Church official website]
