The Washington times., 1894-11-04
CHURCHES OF WASHINGTON
Nide-aNake Trinity Once the Wealth
lest and Most Fashionable.
A NEW PARISH HOUSE BUILT
The Edifce Used for Hospital During the
War-The Reformed Church on Fifteenth
Street and the Progress It Has Made in
the Past Fifteen Years-church Workers.

At one time Trinity Protestant Episcopal
Church, corner OF Third and C streets north
west, was the wealthiest and most fashionable
Episcopal church in the city. Wealth and
fashion have moved from that section further
to the northwest, but Trinity is one Of the
most stirring congregations TO be found IN the
District. II is just finishing parish house,
which is q thing of beauty and convenience,
and with the lot cost S3l, 600. The parish
house is to be used for Sunday-school pur-
poses, as well as to be the home of all the So
cieties Of the church. st. Andrews Brother
hood will bring in the young men; the Kings
Daughters and the Dorcas Society will bring
in the young ladies, and socials and lectures
will gather together all the members Of The
congregation. Two live pastors, two Sunday
schools. and wide awake vestrymen all show
that Trinity stin has a field OF usefulness.
December s. 1926, the parish was organ
ized. At that time there was no Episcopal
church between Christ Church, at the Navy
Yard. and St. Johns Church. opposite the
White House. distance OF three miles. The
meeting was held in the city building, then
unfinished. in the room now occupied by
Judge Cole. Shortly after several hundred
dollars were raised as fund to purchase a
lot and to erect church. but for q number Of
years the congregation worshiped in the city
building. Bev. Henry Van Dyke Johns was
the Rrst pastor. and Alr. Richard ). Cox the
first delegate 10 the diocesan convention Of
Maryland John A. Smith, at one time re-
corder of deeds, and DR.. John z. Blake.
long efterward president OF the National
Metropolitan Bank, were members OF the
first yestry. John Dawson James, father Of
the president of the Bank OF Washington,
was the first registrar.
TEE PARISH LIMITS.
The boundaries Of the parish are the same
now as when formed. Ninth street on the
west. street on the south, North and South
Capitol street on the east, and the city bound
ary on the north. April y, 1929. the congre-
cation moved from the city hall 10 their own
church midway on Fifth street between D and
Z Streets The building is now occupied as
lawyers Offices. The ceremony Of consecra-
ton was performed MAY II, 1929. by Bishop
Moore, Of Virginia, Rev. Stephen II. Tying as
slsttng. Rev. Chauncey Cotton was the sec
ond rector, having charge Of the parish dur
ing 1928. In this year D. W. Middleton.
for years clerk Of the United States Supreme
Court, was chosen registrar. The next yeHr
he was made treasurer, a position which he
occupied until his death. Rev. L. Il. Higbee
came TO the parish in 1884 and remained until
1885, During his pastorate Francis Scott
hey, who wrote 1.-The Star Spangled Banner"
was one of the wardens. Rev. John owen.
the fourth rector came in 1886. and Rev
Henry Stringfellow in January. 1890 In
March, 1847. Dr. Clement n. Butler. Of Bos-
ton, was called to the parish and remained
until 1854, when he resigned. He came back,
however, in 1859. and remained two years
In 154S circular letters were sent all over the
country asking for aid in building handsome
national Episcopal Church. The replies were
not favorable. but the effort bore fruit in the
present church. Mr.. Renwick, the architect of
the Smithsonian Institution was awarded the
contract for plans for new house Of worship.
Ground was broken January Z. ls49, Mr. Cor
coran lending the money needed TO erect the
building. The lot purchased was so feet on
Third street and 40 feet on c street The
cornerstone was laid April 2. 1850. the con-
gregation marching from the old church to
the site Of the new, and services were first held
IN the new building in May. 1851. The old
church was sold TO the Congregatonalists