Trinity Episcopal Church

Trinity Episcopal Church in Muscatine, Iowa, is a historical gem that stands as a testament to the rich heritage and enduring faith of its community. This parish church, a part of the Diocese of Iowa, is not only a place of worship but also a significant landmark, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and included as a contributing property in the Downtown Commercial Historic District in 2006. Let's embark on a journey through time and explore the fascinating history and architectural splendor of Trinity Episcopal Church.

The Early Days of the Episcopal Church in Muscatine

The roots of the Episcopal Church in Muscatine trace back to 1839, when the town was known as Bloomington. The arrival of Matthew Matthews, his son Dorrance, and his brothers Hiram and Joseph, along with their families, marked the beginning of the Episcopal presence in the area. That same year, the Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, Missionary Bishop of the Northwest, visited and helped organize the congregation, making it the first Episcopal parish in Iowa.

The initial church building was a modest frame structure measuring 50 by 22 feet, with eight windows, fifteen lights, and a small vestry room. Interestingly, this building was shared with the local Presbyterian congregation, and a bell mounted on the vestry room served both congregations. The Freemasons later added a second story to the building, which they occupied, much to the dismay of Bishop Kemper, who refused to consecrate the church due to their presence.

Without a rector in its early years, the church was visited by the Rev. Zachariah Goldsmith from Trinity Church in Davenport. On June 28, 1842, the church was reorganized with fourteen people present, and the Rev. Samuel Sherwell, a deacon from New York, was placed in charge on May 12, 1843.

The Construction of the Present Church

The Rev. John B. Calhoun, who arrived at Trinity in 1850, spearheaded efforts to build a new church. By spring 1851, sixteen members had subscribed $1,250, and Calhoun collected an additional $1,298.50 from 168 people during a trip east. Frank Will, an architect from New York City, was chosen to design the new church, which was built on the same lot as the old one. The construction began in the fall of 1851, with the cornerstone laid on November 11. The building process took three years, and the new church, constructed of sandstone in the Gothic Revival style, was consecrated by Bishop Kemper on May 25, 1854.

The church underwent several modifications over the years. In 1855, it was enlarged to its current cruciform plan, and in 1856, a bell was placed in the bell-cote. The interior oak furnishings, including the altar, pulpit, lectern, choir stalls, and pews, were installed in 1887 under the rectorship of the Reverend E.C. Paget. The stained glass windows in the transepts were added at the same time, and the Ascension window at the end of the nave was installed in 1896.

The Birth of the Diocese of Iowa

Trinity Episcopal Church played a crucial role in the establishment of the Diocese of Iowa. In 1853, Bishop Kemper invited clergy and representatives from various congregations across the state to a meeting at Trinity Church in Muscatine on August 17. In the absence of the bishop, the Rev. Alfred Louderbeck of Trinity Church in Davenport was elected chairman. During this gathering, the constitutions and canons for the new diocese were adopted, and plans were made for the election of a bishop. On October 18, 1854, Rev. Henry Washington Lee, rector of St. Luke's Church in Rochester, New York, was elected bishop at Trinity Church in Davenport.

In 1989, the Diocese of Iowa began participating in Education in Ministry, a theological extension program of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Trinity Episcopal Church and St. Paul's Indian Mission in Sioux City were the original centers for this program in Iowa.

Resilience Through Adversity

Trinity Episcopal Church has faced its share of challenges, including significant storm damage. On August 9, 2010, lightning struck the church during an early morning thunderstorm, causing considerable damage to the bell-cote on the front of the church and an iron cross on top. Despite such adversities, the church has remained a steadfast symbol of faith and community resilience.

Visiting Trinity Episcopal Church in Muscatine offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the rich history and architectural beauty of this remarkable landmark. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a place of spiritual solace, Trinity Episcopal Church is a must-visit destination that continues to inspire and captivate all who walk through its doors.