Steeped in rich history, Trinity Church has a long story of worship dating back 300 years to 1726.

It has since served as the place of worship for George Washington (commemorated by a plaque placed in his favorite pew), the filming location for Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom, and today is home to the only center-aisle, freestanding, triple-decked pulpit left in America. 

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for box pew on the south side of the main aisle, adjacent to the Clerk's Desk, ornamented with engraved silver plaques. It commemorates famous visitors seated there. The earliest is George Washington; others include Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah. 

As we celebrate the birth of our nation, with our 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) on the horizon, this year also marks an extraordinary milestone at Trinity Church: 300 years of faith, community, and worship.

Throughout the year, the celebration continues with a dedicated Trinity300 calendar of events, offering an inspiring lineup of lectures, church services, and programs brought to life alongside local community partners. 

Trinity300 Events

Celebrating 300 years of worship.

  1. The Trinity Tricentennial Organ
  2. Silver Sunday
  3. Trinity Sunday
  4. Treasures of Trinity
  5. Semicentennial on the Square
  6. Ceremonial Wreath Laying
  7. Monday with Munday
  8. America’s Birthday Barbecue
  9. Pulling out all the Stops
  10. Founding the Future
  11. Sea Service Sunday
  12. Choral Evensong
  13. Semper Eadem: The History of Trinity Church

The Trinity Tricentennial Organ

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After nearly 300 years of use and careful restoration from its 1733 original organ, Trinity Church marks its tricentennial year with the commissioning of a custom pipe organ. This tribute honors and marks the enduring legacy of music and worship for many anniversaries to come. 

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Trinity Church

Silver Sunday

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Where:
Trinity Church
When:
Sunday, April 12 at 12:00 PM

Enjoy a Silver Sunday lecture and presentation of Trinity Church's early silver dating back to as far as 1703. 

Mary Sinnott, Altar Guild Directress, and silver expert Spencer Gordon from Spencer Marks will present. The presentation will take place in the church by the altar on Sunday, April 12th at 12:00 PM. 

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Trinity Sunday

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Where:
Trinity Church
When:
Sunday, May 31st at 10:00 AM

Welcome to Trinity Sunday, with Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe preacher and presider. On patronal feast day, guests are welcome to worship and celebrate with a Bishop's Brunch after the service.

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Treasures of Trinity

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Where:
Redwood Library
When:
Thursday, June 4th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Make your way to the Redwood Library for a panel presentation with Professor John Hattendorf, Bertram Lippincott, and Paul Miller, along with the Treasures of Trinity debut including light refreshments. The display will remain at the library through the summer.

In collaboration with Newport Historical Society and the Redwood Library. 

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Semicentennial on the Square

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When:
Friday, July 10th from 5:00 - 7:30 PM

A celebration of Queen Anne Square's 50th anniversary, featuring a panel discussion on the legacy of Queen Anne Square and the wider historic preservation movement, followed by jazz music and reception.

The panel includes:

  • Rebecca Bertrand, Executive Director of the Newport Historical Society
  • Trudy Coxe, CEO & Executive Director of the Preservation Society of Newport County
  • Ronald J. Onorato, Emeritus Professor of Art and Architectural History at the University of Rhode Island
  • Keith Stokes, Rhode Island Historian Laureate
  • Moderated by Gina Tangorra, Director of Engagement at the Newport Restoration Foundation

In collaboration with the Newport Restoration Foundation.

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Queen Anne Square Spring Flowers Daffodil Yellow Cherry Pink

Ceremonial Wreath Laying

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Where:
Trinity Churchyard
When:
Saturday, July 11th

Enjoy a Ceremonial Wreath Laying in the Churchyard. This is an America 250 event, in collaboration with other community partners, and also a part of the "French in Newport" celebration.

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Monday with Munday

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Where:
Trinity Church
When:
Monday, September 14th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Monday with Munday is an in-depth look into colonial architecture and aesthetics, focusing on the work of Richard Munday. Presentation by historian and architect Ross Cann in Honyman Hall with tour of the church and Colony House to follow.

In collaboration with Newport Historical Society.

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America’s Birthday Barbecue

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Where:
Trinity Church
When:
Sunday, September 20th from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Indulge in an America’s Birthday Barbecue on Homecoming Sunday.

This birthday barbecue is an opportunity to welcome the new church year and celebrate the 250th of the nation, with music from the Kentish Guards Fife & Drum Corps.

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Pulling out all the Stops

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Where:
Trinity Church
When:
Saturday, September 26th

Welcome to Pulling out all the Stops—a reception at Trinity Church to culminate the summer of celebration and in support of the new Tricentennial Organ.

The evening will include refreshments, silent auction, and speaking program. 

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Founding the Future

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Where:
Trinity Church
When:
Sunday, September 27th

Held both during and after worship, Founding the Future will coincide with the first recorded service in our new building in late September, 1726.

We will imagine Trinity's continued role in Newport as we move into the future, praying for God's grace and guidance.

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Sea Service Sunday

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Where:
Trinity Church
When:
Sunday, October 11th at 10:00 AM

Enjoy a Sea Service Sunday, in proximity to the birthday of the US Navy, honoring Trinity's long-time connection with the US Armed Services.

In collaboration with the Naval War College.

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Choral Evensong

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Where:
Trinity Church
When:
Sunday, October 18th at 4:00 PM

Choral Evensong with the Trinity Choir featuring music from the 18th century on Sunday, October 18th at 4:00 PM.

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Semper Eadem: The History of Trinity Church

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When:
Available in June

Starting in June, the new Trinity300 edition of "Semper Eadem: The History of Trinity Church, 1698-2026" will be available for purchase and distribution.

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All information provided by Trinity Church. For more details, please visit TrinityNewport.org

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