Trinity Wheaton celebrates Historic Preservation Month with chapel open houses
A dual celebration honoring 150 years of history and commitment to preservation.
As spring flowers bloom across Wheaton, Trinity Episcopal Church is opening its doors for a special celebration that combines two significant milestones.
This May, the congregation honors both its 150th anniversary and National Historic Preservation Month with a series of Chapel Open Houses every weekend throughout the month.
A sesquicentennial celebration
Founded in 1875, Trinity Episcopal Wheaton has been a cornerstone of the community for 150 years. The historic chapel, with its distinctive architecture and craftsmanship, stands as a testament to the congregation’s enduring presence and influence in the area.
“Reaching our 150th anniversary is a profound milestone,” said 150th Anniversary Chairwoman Beth Petti. “The chapel has witnessed generations of baptisms, weddings, funerals, and weekly services. It’s more than a building — it’s a living archive of our community’s history.”
Preservation in action
The open house events offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness historic preservation efforts firsthand. Parish member docents will be on hand during the open house to discuss the history, techniques and materials used in the chapel’s upkeep, demonstrating how modern preservation methods honor original craftsmanship while ensuring the building’s longevity for future generations.
The Chapel Open Houses will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays, May 9-31. All events are free and open to the public, with no reservation required.
Why Historic Preservation matters
National Historic Preservation Month, established in 1973, encourages communities to celebrate their local history and heritage. For Trinity Episcopal, preservation is not just about maintaining a building but about honoring the countless stories and memories embedded within its walls.
Community Involvement
Visitors to the Chapel Open Houses will have opportunities to:
• Learn about the architectural features that make Trinity Episcopal historically significant.
• View historical photographs and documents chronicling the church’s 150-year journey.
• Speak with congregation members about the church’s role in community life
• Discover how preservation efforts support environmental sustainability
• Explore ways to get involved in local historic preservation initiatives
• Appreciate fine woodworking and printmaking through John Legg’s exhibition
Special art show and sale
As part of the Historic Preservation Month celebrations, Trinity Episcopal Church is hosting a special art show and sale featuring the works of John Legg, renowned wood carver and printmaker.
This special exhibition celebrates the artistic legacy of the late John Legg, whose craftsmanship exemplifies the intersection of artistic excellence and traditional methods that historic preservation seeks to honor.
The curated collection showcasing John Legg’s mastery in both wood carving and printmaking will be on display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 16-17, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18. It is free and open to the community. A reception with John Legg’s family will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18. A limited number of his pieces will be available for purchase
Looking forward
As Trinity Episcopal Wheaton celebrates these dual milestones, the congregation remains committed to preserving their historic chapel for the next 150 years and beyond. For more information about Trinity Episcopal Wheaton’s Historic Preservation Month events or the church’s 150th anniversary celebrations, visit trinitywheaton.org.
Trinity Episcopal Wheaton is located at 140 N. West St. in Wheaton. Join them as they celebrate the historic chapel and the artistic legacy of John Legg during this special month of events.