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Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
272 Brainbridge St.
Dayton, OH 45402
937-228-1223
Holy Trinity
History
Our History
While Holy Trinity Church was being built, a new fad, “baseball,” was just starting to sweep the nation. People were talking about the new author Charles Dickens and his critiques of poverty. And our country, while still in the grip of the violence of slavery, was celebrating the election of its new president, Abraham Lincoln.
If only the walls of the church could talk! What stories could they share of the times, people, events, and changes that have taken place over all these years?
Our Story Begins in the 1850s
Holy Trinity Church traces its roots back to the late 1850s, when the rapidly growing German-speaking population at Emmanuel Church led to severe overcrowding. While plans were made to build a new St. Mary Church to address the issue, many German immigrants living near Fifth and Bainbridge Streets found this solution inadequate for their community’s needs.
Initial appeals to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati were met with resistance. The pastor of Emmanuel Church at the time even declared, ” All those who leave the mother church are going out of heaven.” Despite these challenges, Holy Trinity’s founders’ determination only deepened.
In April 1859, they took a bold step forward, purchasing three lots as the future site of their church. Although there was significant disagreement within church leadership—particularly from the Chancellor, who opposed the project in the Archbishop’s absence—the Archbishop ultimately approved the plan upon his return.
While there are no surviving records of the groundbreaking ceremony, the cornerstone of Holy Trinity Church was laid on May 17, 1860. The outbreak of the Civil War delayed construction, and the church was not dedicated until August 15, 1861. Built of red brick and measuring 130 by 60 feet, the structure was brought to life by laborers who, in many cases, were paid in groceries rather than wages. The finishing touch—our iconic steeple—was completed in 1868.
Laity
And so we go on. In a time when clergy shortages are leading us to increasing lay leadership, Trinity has always been dependent on lay involvement. From the persistent first founders through the service of many religious communities—even through flood, depression, wars, and urban change—the laity of Holy Trinity Church have served others humbly and loved others as themselves.
A downtown church, yes, but a church that reaches in membership from Troy to Waynesville, from New Lebanon to Xenia. Christian Formation Ministry is in place to educate and form parishioners of all ages. Parishioners regularly volunteer in soup kitchens, pro-life activities ,health ministries, bereavement ministry, social action projects, and numerous other community-wide events. Our annual Christmas Bazaar uses all profits to help the poor. Ministers visit and bring Communion to shut-ins and the hospitalized.
Many of our community live out their baptismal call as Eucharistic ministers, choir members, ushers, and servers who bring our liturgy to life. Countless people give of their skills as gardeners, cooks, electricians, and computer experts, as well as in construction and maintenance, keeping our grounds beautiful and our projects thriving.
The Future
We can look back and see what was happening in 1861, but we don’t know what will come. It is with faith in God, in each other, and in ourselves that the members of the Holy Trinity family move forward to meet whatever lies ahead. Our history shows us that we’ve always risen to the challenge!
May God bless us all with sure steps as we journey forward, clergy and laity, to bring our mission of “Worship, Fellowship, and Service” to all! We are adding our stories to the many held gracefully, deeply, and silently in the walls of Holy Trinity Church.