Tallahassee is marking its bicentennial this year. And the religious congregation that calls itself the city's oldest, is doing the same.
Today, Trinity United Methodist Church sits proudly at the corner of Park Avenue and Duval Street. But Church Historian Lynn McLarty points out this is not the original location. And it's for sure not the original building.
"The southwest corner of Bronough and Park was deeded to us in 1825. We had a church there and there was a cemetery associated with the church The site that we're on now, we built a church in 1840. That was the first church up on the corner of Duval and Park. Since 1840 we've had 3 structures: the 1840 church, the 1893 church and the 1964 church, the section we're in now."
Other downtown churches also have long histories. The congregation that would become St. John's Episcopal Church first met in 1827, was incorporated a few years later and began a fundraiser for the building that still stands today in 1835. The
First Presbyterian Church, situated next door to Trinity, was build between 1835 and 1838.
The Reverend Matthew Williams is Trinity's current senior pastor. He attributes the congregation's longevity to several things, especially a dedication to inclusion.
"How can you be around for 200 years if you're not open; if you don't foresee changes in culture and society and move with that? There has to be an openness to thought, to education, there has to be a strength. This church has survived and thrived in times of war, through major cultural shifts. For us today, I think we want to continue that."
So, while the Methodist Church nationally has been through a recent schism over a number of culture war matters, especially LGBTQ issues. Trinity remained affiliated with the United Methodists, which took a more liberal view. Now Trinity is getting ready to mark its 200th anniversary as a congregation. Church Operations Administrator Melanie Gonzalez said preparations have involved nearly everyone in the parish.
"Seeing the amount of people that volunteer their time and their talents and just the willingness to serve at this church has been incredible. And I think leading up to the bicentennial, as a staff member it's been exceptionally beautiful to be a part of."
And Pastor Williams said it's a party the entire town is welcome to join - weather permitting - this Sunday, Sept. 29.
"At 10:30 a.m. there will be a gathering at the original church site with a processional to follow back up the hill to the (present) church with a bagpiper leading us. As we're coming up the hill, there'll be a fantastic organ recital that'll be starting 20 minutes until 11 in the sanctuary."
The bicentennial celebration will conclude with a regular Sunday service, to which the community is also welcome to attend.
