Trinity History

Introduction to the Collection

Trinity Episcopal Church, 611 West Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, was founded in 1844. As such, it has a rich history as the third oldest church edifice in the city and one of the oldest congregations in the Diocese of Northern Indiana. Trinity maintains a parish archives that is housed together with that of the Diocese of Northern Indiana, and both are located in a climate-controlled room in Trinity's Parish House or classroom building. Many of the photographs in that collection are displayed on this website.

The scope of the records date from 1839, when Christ Episcopal Church, a short-lived mission, existed in Fort Wayne, down to the present. It consists of parish registers, vestry minutes, annual reports, letters, directories, clippings, photographs, audio and video recordings, and slides. It also houses some artifacts, including vestments, banners, and other small items that are no longer currently used in the church. In addition, it maintains a small library of books pertaining to the history of the church, to the Episcopal denomination, to the Diocese, to Fort Wayne, and to the liturgical heritage of the Episcopal Church. The photographic collection dates from the 1850s to the present.

The purpose of the Archives is to identify, collect, preserve, organize, and share historical materials and official records of Trinity Episcopal Church. The Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church is committed to providing the support and resources necessary to implement this purpose and appoints an Archivist with authority to implement archival policies and procedures consistent with this policy. Access to the Archives can be made by making an appointment with the archivist through the parish office at 260-423-1693, or by writing to Archivist, Trinity Episcopal Church, 611 West Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802.