Trinity Episcopal Church, Everett WA
Our History
Soon after the town of Everett appeared on the map in 1890, a small group of Episcopalians began to gather for worship. In the spring of 1892, a group of 34 Episcopalians petitioned the Missionary District of Olympia for admission. The parish was incorporated in June of that year, and the first rector – The Rev. Daniel McKinnon – led the first service on Trinity Sunday. The fledgling community met in a building they owned in downtown Everett on Wetmore and California Ave.
During the first 20 years of its life, Trinity saw 16 rectors come and go, but the Rev. Edgar Rogers broke this pattern of short tenures by serving as rector from 1911 to 1941. The current parish hall is named after him. During Fr. Roger’s tenure, the parish grew along with the population of Everett. A new sanctuary was soon needed, and property was gifted to the church at the corner of 23rd an Hoyt – then considered to be on the “outskirts of town.” However, the building project was almost immediately interrupted by World War I.
Finally, on Trinity Sunday in 1921, the new church was dedicated to the brave soldiers and chaplains who served in The Great War. Therefore, our sanctuary building is actually a World War I memorial. The dedication plaque is located in the old entrance way vestibule. With extensive use of terra cotta and classic stained glass windows, Trinity is a replica of St. Andrew’s Church in Scotland in a tradition of classic church architecture and the particular heritage and history of the protestant Episcopal tradition. Along with several other parish items indicative of the time, a piece of marble from the mystic Scottish Isle of Iona are held within Trinity’s historic cornerstone.
In 1942, the parish paid off its mortgage (and held a ceremony to burn it!) True to the community’s commitment to faith and country, Trinity spiritually supported 53 young men from the congregation who served in World War II. During the same period, Trinity sponsored the founding of several mission churches in Snohomish and Island counties.
In 1953, fundraising began for a new parish hall, which was completed in 1961. Over the ensuing years, classrooms were added to the undercroft (1962); a large meeting room (the Guild Room), the offices and a nursery were completed (1967); and a pipe organ was installed (dedicated in 2010).
Today, Trinity’s membership draws from a large territory, in Everett, Snohomish County and beyond. We have several programs in areas of ministry, education and outreach. Honoring all generations and perspectives, Trinity offers services within the rich traditions of the Book of Common Prayer, supported by the breadth of classic and contemporary music. Trinity services are traditionally Anglo-Catholic. Elders, single adults, families, youth and children all have a home here at Trinity where they can experience spiritual nurture and support through a model of life-long Christian formation.
Empowered by our Baptismal Covenant, the members of Trinity are committed to providing a holy place to worship that respects the dignity of all people.
All are welcome in this place!
