House of Worship Spotlight: Trinity Episcopal Church

Religious leader(s): the Rev. Stephen Applegate, interim rector; the Rev. Meribah Mansfield, deacon

Sect: Episcopal

Neighborhood: Downtown

Address: 316 Adams St., Toledo

Service times: 10 a.m. Sundays

Type of service: Holy Eucharist is the primary Sunday worship. Trinity’s music varies from classical music to gospel and even show tunes that strike an appropriate theme. The church has chairs instead of pews, which allows for various seating configurations.

Regular attendance: 100 in-person attendance per weekend; 50 online viewership

Ministries: A free community breakfast from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. Sundays, monthly lunch for Toledo Streets Newspaper vendors, Food for Thought mobile pantry. Trinity regularly makes its space available for community groups such as Girls on the Run, Actors Collaborative Toledo, and Toledo Streets Newspaper.

History: The first Episcopal parish in the newly incorporated city of Toledo formed in 1837, with early services being held in homes, a courtroom, and a schoolhouse. Trinity was chartered in 1842 and in 1844 paid $1 for the property at the corner of Adams and St. Clair streets. The first building was completed the following year, and the present building was completed in 1866.

Trinity helped establish other Episcopal churches in Greater Toledo, including St. Mark’s in the Old West End, which closed in 2012 and many of its members found a home at the downtown church. The St. Mark’s Chapel at Trinity, a nod to the former congregation, is used for services and performances.

What’s special about this faith community? “[There’s a] tremendous sense of joy, and that’s certainly reflected in the music,” the Rev. Stephen Applegate said. “This is a joyful worshiping community, a lot of sense of celebration. ... I’ve been ordained for 44 years, and I’ve served a lot of churches. This is one of the most joyful places I’ve ever served.”

Are there any upcoming events or projects you’re working on? Trinity will host a Pride Kick-Off Family Picnic starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, featuring a potluck and family-friendly activities. The church will serve as a hospitality center during Toledo Pride on Saturday, march in the Pride Parade, and set up a booth at Promenade Park. Its Sunday service is open to all.

Following the September departure of Trinity’s former rector, the Rev. Lisa Tucker-Gray, the search committee is preparing to make a call for applications for a new lead pastor.

Website: trinitytoledo.org

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