Trinity's History . . . A Great Heritage
Trinity began in 1902 when First Methodist Church of Opelika formed a Sunday School in the northeast section of town. Trinity then had a membership of 98 people.
In 1906 a proposal was considered for a new church building in a more accessible location. The current location of 8th Street and Second Avenue was chosen. On November 9, 1906, the name "Trinity" was selected for the new congregation.
In 1907, building and budget plans were made for a new sanctuary at the existing location. Budget was $75,000. Dr. D. M. Banks, chairman of the building committee, officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony and shoveled the first spade of dirt in placing the foundation for the new building in 1907.
No church in the history of the Alabama Methodist Conference had ever financed its building with as little difficulty as Trinity. The members responded with gifts of money, time and talents.
The first service held in the new structure, was in June of 1909; the official dedication of the Sanctuary occurred on December 4, 1910. This Sanctuary is the same one we worship in today.
The pipe organ was installed in the sanctuary in November of 1909; an electric organ console was added in 1951. The Carillon Tower Bells and the marble baptismal font were dedicated in 1947.
A major building and renovation program began in August of 1955, which added a two-story educational wing, (now known as the children's building), attached to the church by a chapel, forming a courtyard.
Also in August of 1955, plans were made for the renovation of the existing facilities, including a Fellowship Hall, a new kitchen and a new lighting system for the sanctuary.
On September 27, 1987, ground breaking for the new Trinity Christian Life Center took place. The building project cost $2,500,000 and on January 25, 1989, the consecration of the new building was held.
On Sunday mornings, sunshine streams in the brilliant, colored, stained glass windows in the sanctuary at Trinity United Methodist Church and bathes the antique carved woods with warmth, providing a beautiful setting for worship. While the church is a rich heritage, it has forged into the 21st century offering a wide variety of programs for all ages as it reaches out to the community with compassion and a mission to share the Gospel. Today, the Trinity family looks forward to the future God has planned for this church that He planted in 1902. We know the best is yet to come. Trinity UMC has A Great Heritage, and, A Greater Future!