Trinity History

The church was founded in 1849 by the Rev. James S. Green, who was serving in a mission in Mississippi City. He was living in the "Pass", as it was then called, and frequently held services in his home. His efforts lead to the construction of the first church building.

On December 1, 1849, the Rev. Thomas S. Savage accepted the call to become the first Rector, and on Sunday March 3, 1850, he held the first service. Although the building was not yet complete, some dozen souls certainly felt the presence of the Lord, for the church was named Trinity. There were nine communicants, a number which included only one man.

The original church building was ready for consecration on July 31, 1851. Regular worship was held in this structure, considered one of the finest examples of its style and size in the South, until the night of August 17, 1969, when it was completely destroyed by Hurricane "Camille," which at the time was one of the worst storms ever to strike the western hemisphere. The present church, which stands on the original site, was built after the Camille devastation.

Trinity has been served by 23 Rectors in 150 years. Throughout our history, we have been unusually blessed with clergy who, together with their helpmates, have given themselves unsparingly to further the work of God's kingdom and fulfill the duties of the parish. Our present Rector, the Rev. Christopher G. Colby, came to us in 1997.

From its earliest days, the facilities available to Trinity Church have steadily grown. Live Oak Cemetery, located just across the street from the sanctuary, dates back to October 23, 1851. The land was given by John and Louisa Henderson "as a place of interment". Visitors can often be seen walking among the graves, pausing to read the inscriptions.

On August 29, 2005, a storm more terrible than Hurricane Camille devastated not only Trinity Church, but the town of Pass Christian and the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast. Although the church building itself sustained massive damage, the framework survived Hurricane Katrina’s horrendous pounding. However, the Christian Education building, parish hall, and church offices were utterly destroyed. During the tough days which came in Katrina’s wake, Trinity Church remained a center of vibrant Christian ministry.

During the 56 months of being displaced from the church property, new life is not only being restored to Trinity Church but to the town of Pass Christian as well.

Today, all services are being held in the newly renovated and restored building.