Wheaton’s Trinity Episcopal Church celebrating 150 years with community events
This year, Trinity Episcopal Church in Wheaton is celebrating 150 years of history and heritage with a year-long calendar of events for a variety of audiences.
From history buffs interested in the church’s rich past to music fans who enjoy choral performances, and families seeking engaging activities, there is something for everyone.
The origins of the church started in 1875 when three families residing on farms near Wheaton consulted with Bishop William E. McLaren regarding the establishment of an Episcopal Church. That June, the first services were held in the Universalist Church located on the site of the present DuPage County Historical Museum at the southeast corner of Main and Wesley. It was rented for $1 a Sunday.
Six years later, the small congregation was ready to build its own church and a lot at West and Wesley streets was purchased for $300. The cornerstone of the new church was laid by Bishop McLaren on Dec. 18, 1881, and despite severe winter and spring weather, Trinity's historic church was built. The total cost of the building and materials was $3,763.35.
This is the oldest church building in Wheaton in continuous use and was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Jan. 9, 1978.
By the late 1950s, the congregation expanded beyond the capacity of the chapel to hold everyone for worship. In 1957, Father Richard Edward Winkler began an ambitious project — a capital campaign to build a new, bigger church.
The “new” church building was begun in 1957 and completed in 1958. As was typical for the time, the building was dedicated first, on Feb. 6, 1959 and after the mortgage was paid, the building was consecrated on Thanksgiving Day, 1964.
The church invites the community to join in one of the first events this weekend, Feb. 8-9. Don your vintage best and step back in time to 1959 as Trinity Episcopal is celebrating the church’s dedication and consecration services using prayers, language and procedures from the original service, complete with clergy in dated vestments.
All are welcome and invited to dress in the spirit of 1959 at the 5 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday services in the chapel, or 10 a.m. Sunday in the church. A festive reception to follow the 10 a.m. service. It is free and open to the public.
Later in the spring, the church will present “150 Years at 130 West Street” at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Experience an afternoon of inspiration and joy with a special program of words and music, featuring Trinity’s parish vocal choir, bell ensemble, and poetry written for the 150th anniversary, as well as guest performers from the Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus. Soloists also will make special appearances. This event is free and open to the public, with a celebratory reception to follow.
As part of Historic Preservation Month in May, Trinity Episcopal Church will host special open house events each weekend for visitors to experience the beauty and history of the historic church.
Enjoy free guided tours led by knowledgeable parishioners. Explore insightful displays showcasing the rich history of the historic church and its significance within the community. The open house hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays.
It’s an opportunity to learn more about our historic building and its place in Wheaton’s heritage.
Learn more at www.trinitywheaton.org.