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Trinity Church (Elmira, New York)
Encyclopedia
The parish
of Trinity Church, Elmira, New York
was founded in 1833. Trinity Church is a parish of the Chemung District of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York
, centered in Syracuse, New York
. The present structure of Trinity Church is located at 304 North Main Street, Elmira, New York
. Designed by architect Henry Dudley
, the church was built from 1855 through 1858. It is significant for its Gothic Revival architecture
. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 2007.
The first recorded Episcopal
service in Elmira was conducted by the Right Reverend Benjamin Treadwell Onderdonk
, D.D., Bishop
of the Episcopal Diocese of New York
on May 16, 1832. Services were again held in Elmira in 1833 conducted by James D. Carder early in the year and by Daniel E. Brown in May. James D. Carder's report given to the 1833 New York Diocesan Convention in New York City stated, "[i]n Elmira, Tioga county, he performed divine service several times previous to the middle of July; and on the 12th of June organized a parish by the name of Trinity Church. He has for some tome looked to that place with much interest, and now contemplates with thanksgiving to God the sure foundation which he believes is there laid for the Church. On the last Lord's day, he had the satisfaction of administering the holy Communion
for the first time in that parish. Thirteen communicated, and one was repelled." There were also reported to be three children baptized and one marriage in the parish that year. Trinity Church was incorporated as a parish on June 12, 1833 under the supervision of James D. Carder. The Rev. Thomas Clark is listed as the first rector.
Trinity's worship services began simply in a school house where Park Church
stands today. As stated by Rev. Clark that Fall in his report to the 1833 Diocesan Convention, "I arrived in Elmira as Missionary to that place on the 20th of July last, and found a small but zealous company of Episcopalians, who received me with the most lively pleasure as their Missionary. Some of them had lived without the services of their Church for several years, not having heard an Episcopal minister at Elmira more than three or four times previously to my arrival. I have commence preaching in the District School Room, which I generally have nearly fill; and it is probable, if we had a church, there would many more attend." As parish membership grew, a need for larger quarters was evident. With comparatively little money, but the commitment of time, energy and building materials from the Church family, a new church edifice was completed in December 1836 at Church Street and Railroad Avenue. The church was consecrated on the morning of Sunday, August 27, 1837 by Rt. Rev. Benjamin Treadwell Onderdonk
, D.D.
The present building at Church and Main Streets was designed by Henry Dudley
of New York and built by Nichols and Washburn. The cornerstone for the present structure "...was laid with impressive ceremonies," by Right Rev. William Heathcote DeLancey
on July 26, 1855. The first service was held in this structure on July 4, 1858 after it was completed. The church building was consecrated by The Right Reverend Arthur Cleveland Coxe
, D.D., Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York
in services held on April 5, 1866, after the construction debt was discharged.
The Arnot Memorial Chapel was designed by architect Richard M. Upjohn
, its cornerstone was laid in 1880. The chapel was consecrated on November 28, 1882 by Right Reverend Frederic Dan Huntington
, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York
. The Chapel was built with donations from Mariana Tuttle Arnot-Ogden as a memorial to her parents, John Arnot and Harriet Arnot, her sister, Aurelia Arnot, and her husband, William B. Ogden. The principal window over the chancel was designed to symbolically represented the four people whom the chapel memorialized. This window was designed and executed by stained glass craftsman Donald MacDonald
of Boston
, Massachusetts
. The decoration of the interior of the Chapel was designed and executed by Cyrus L. W. Eidlitz
of New York City
. The chapel having been deconsecrated, the building now serves many other purposes for the parish.
Parish
A parish is a territorial unit historically under the pastoral care and clerical jurisdiction of one parish priest, who might be assisted in his pastoral duties by a curate or curates - also priests but not the parish priest - from a more or less central parish church with its associated organization...
of Trinity Church, Elmira, New York
Elmira, New York
Elmira is a city in Chemung County, New York, USA. It is the principal city of the 'Elmira, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area' which encompasses Chemung County, New York. The population was 29,200 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Chemung County.The City of Elmira is located in...
was founded in 1833. Trinity Church is a parish of the Chemung District of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York
Episcopal Diocese of Central New York
The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York is a diocese of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, encompassing the area in the center of New York....
, centered in Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. The present structure of Trinity Church is located at 304 North Main Street, Elmira, New York
Elmira, New York
Elmira is a city in Chemung County, New York, USA. It is the principal city of the 'Elmira, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area' which encompasses Chemung County, New York. The population was 29,200 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Chemung County.The City of Elmira is located in...
. Designed by architect Henry Dudley
Henry Dudley
Henry C. Dudley , known also as Henry Dudley, was an English-born North American architect, known for his Gothic Revival churches...
, the church was built from 1855 through 1858. It is significant for its Gothic Revival architecture
Gothic Revival architecture
The Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the 1740s in England...
. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in 2007.
The first recorded Episcopal
Episcopal Church (United States)
The Episcopal Church is a mainline Anglican Christian church found mainly in the United States , but also in Honduras, Taiwan, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, the British Virgin Islands and parts of Europe...
service in Elmira was conducted by the Right Reverend Benjamin Treadwell Onderdonk
Benjamin Treadwell Onderdonk
Benjamin Treadwell Onderdonk was the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York from 1830–1861.- Early years :...
, D.D., Bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
of the Episcopal Diocese of New York
Episcopal Diocese of New York
The Episcopal Diocese of New York is a diocese of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, encompassing the boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island in New York City, and the New York state counties of Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and...
on May 16, 1832. Services were again held in Elmira in 1833 conducted by James D. Carder early in the year and by Daniel E. Brown in May. James D. Carder's report given to the 1833 New York Diocesan Convention in New York City stated, "[i]n Elmira, Tioga county, he performed divine service several times previous to the middle of July; and on the 12th of June organized a parish by the name of Trinity Church. He has for some tome looked to that place with much interest, and now contemplates with thanksgiving to God the sure foundation which he believes is there laid for the Church. On the last Lord's day, he had the satisfaction of administering the holy Communion
Eucharist
The Eucharist , also called Holy Communion, the Sacrament of the Altar, the Blessed Sacrament, the Lord's Supper, and other names, is a Christian sacrament or ordinance...
for the first time in that parish. Thirteen communicated, and one was repelled." There were also reported to be three children baptized and one marriage in the parish that year. Trinity Church was incorporated as a parish on June 12, 1833 under the supervision of James D. Carder. The Rev. Thomas Clark is listed as the first rector.
Trinity's worship services began simply in a school house where Park Church
Park Church
Park Church runs the length of an entire city block in Elmira, New York. The church was constructed from 1874 through 1876, replacing its much smaller, wooden predecessor. It was designed by Horatio Nelson White. The design of the limestone and brick church is highly ecelectic. Besides its...
stands today. As stated by Rev. Clark that Fall in his report to the 1833 Diocesan Convention, "I arrived in Elmira as Missionary to that place on the 20th of July last, and found a small but zealous company of Episcopalians, who received me with the most lively pleasure as their Missionary. Some of them had lived without the services of their Church for several years, not having heard an Episcopal minister at Elmira more than three or four times previously to my arrival. I have commence preaching in the District School Room, which I generally have nearly fill; and it is probable, if we had a church, there would many more attend." As parish membership grew, a need for larger quarters was evident. With comparatively little money, but the commitment of time, energy and building materials from the Church family, a new church edifice was completed in December 1836 at Church Street and Railroad Avenue. The church was consecrated on the morning of Sunday, August 27, 1837 by Rt. Rev. Benjamin Treadwell Onderdonk
Benjamin Treadwell Onderdonk
Benjamin Treadwell Onderdonk was the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York from 1830–1861.- Early years :...
, D.D.
The present building at Church and Main Streets was designed by Henry Dudley
Henry Dudley
Henry C. Dudley , known also as Henry Dudley, was an English-born North American architect, known for his Gothic Revival churches...
of New York and built by Nichols and Washburn. The cornerstone for the present structure "...was laid with impressive ceremonies," by Right Rev. William Heathcote DeLancey
William Heathcote DeLancey
The Right Reverend William Heathcote DeLancey was a bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America and the sixth Provost of the University of Pennsylvania...
on July 26, 1855. The first service was held in this structure on July 4, 1858 after it was completed. The church building was consecrated by The Right Reverend Arthur Cleveland Coxe
Arthur Cleveland Coxe
Arthur Cleveland Coxe DD LLD was the second Episcopal bishop of New York. He used Cleveland as his given name and is often referred to as A. Cleveland Coxe.-Biography:...
, D.D., Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York
Episcopal Diocese of Western New York
The Episcopal Diocese of Western New York, is the diocese of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America with jurisdiction over the counties of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming in western New York. It is in Province 2 and its cathedral, St. Paul's...
in services held on April 5, 1866, after the construction debt was discharged.
The Arnot Memorial Chapel was designed by architect Richard M. Upjohn
Richard M. Upjohn
Richard Michell Upjohn, FAIA, was an influential American architect, co-founder and president of the American Institute of Architects.-Early life and career:...
, its cornerstone was laid in 1880. The chapel was consecrated on November 28, 1882 by Right Reverend Frederic Dan Huntington
Frederic Dan Huntington
Frederic Dan Huntington was an American clergyman and the first Protestant Episcopal bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York.-Background:...
, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York
Episcopal Diocese of Central New York
The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York is a diocese of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, encompassing the area in the center of New York....
. The Chapel was built with donations from Mariana Tuttle Arnot-Ogden as a memorial to her parents, John Arnot and Harriet Arnot, her sister, Aurelia Arnot, and her husband, William B. Ogden. The principal window over the chancel was designed to symbolically represented the four people whom the chapel memorialized. This window was designed and executed by stained glass craftsman Donald MacDonald
Donald MacDonald (craftsman)
Donald MacDonald was an early stained glass artist and craftsman of Boston.Donald MacDonald was born in Glasgow and trained as a glass painter in London during the 1860s. In 1868 he was urged to immigrate to America and join the studio of J. William McPherson & Co. in Boston. His skill and...
of Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
. The decoration of the interior of the Chapel was designed and executed by Cyrus L. W. Eidlitz
Cyrus L. W. Eidlitz
Cyrus Lazelle Warner Eidlitz was a New York architect best known for designing One Times Square, the former New York Times Building on Times Square.-Early life and education:Cyrus Lazelle Warner Eidlitz was born in New York...
of New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. The chapel having been deconsecrated, the building now serves many other purposes for the parish.
Rectors of Trinity
- The Rev. Thomas Clark - July 20, 1833 - 1836
- The Rev. Richard Smith - February 29, 1836 - May 1838
- The Rev. Gordon Winslow - June 1838 - June 1841
- The Rev. Kendrick Metcalf, D.D. - 1841 - 1842
- The Rev. Stephen Douglas - 1842 -1844
- The Rev. Washington VanZandt - February 1844 - February 1847
- The Rev. Benjamin Williams WhitcherBenjamin Williams WhitcherBenjamin Williams Whitcher was born in Rochester, Vermont on December, 8, 1811. He was the son of Stephen and Esther Emerson Whitcher. His father was a native of Haverhill, Massachusetts, being one of a large family, of which Thomas Whitcher, who came from England to New England in 1638, was the...
- April 1847 - June 1849 - The Rev. Dr. Andrew D. Hull, D.D. - July 1849 - 1866
- The Rev. William ParetWilliam ParetWilliam Paret was the 137th bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America and was a bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland.-Early life and education:...
- 1866 - April 1869 - The Rev. George H. McKnight, D.D. - July 1869 - 1905
- The Rev. Charles McKnight - 1906 - September 1911
- The Rev. Herbert L. Hannah - December 1911 - January 1917
- The Rev. Henry E. Hubbard - June 1917 - August 1953
- The Rev. David Kingman - September 1953 December 1974
- The Rev. John C. Humphries, Jr. - September 1975 - December 1997
- The Rev. Dr. William C. Lutz - September 1999–present