History

The Parish

The first Church of England services on the southside were held in the CPR Station in South Edmonton (later Strathcona), then in the one-room schoolhouse on Whyte Avenue and 106 Street.

In 1893, a student from Wycliffe College, Toronto, was appointed to conduct services in South Edmonton. This led to the formation of the Parish of Holy Trinity founded under the Bishop of Calgary.

The first frame church building at 81 Avenue and 100 Street was opened November 26, 1893. The first incumbent was the Rev. Harry Allen Gray, who later became the first Bishop of Edmonton.

Since that time, theatre and the performing arts have been a significant part of parish life.

The Building

In 1906, it was decided to build a permanent brick structure, with plans by local architect Mr. Whittington. The basement of the present building was dug. The depression of 1907 required the basement to be roofed over to serve as the worship space until the main building could be erected.

In 1909, the first service was held in the church basement. In 1913, the main church was built. It is constructed of burnt clinker, or tapestry bricks, which were of little value, and resulted in the fashion throughout Edmonton of building these bricks to picturesque effect.

The church is modified English Gothic style, with the roof patterned after the upturned hull of a ship. It cost $36,000 with capacity for 450 and another 150 in the tower, vestry and cloak rooms.

In 1949, the parish hall was built and extended in 1962. The chapel was finished in 1959. A commercial kitchen was installed in the last few years.

Milestone dates

1893, Nov. 26 – Consecration of the original frame church at the corner of 81 Avenue and 100 Street

1900 – The frame church was moved to the site of the present building

1902 – Construction of the first Rectory

1906 – Excavation of the basement of the present church

1909, April 19 – Opening service in the basement church

1913, June 8 – Laying of the cornerstone of the present church

1913, Oct. 12 – Official opening of the present church

1923, July 1 – Unveiling of the Memorial Organ

1932 – Payment completed on the mortgage on the organ

1945 – Payment completed on the mortgage on the church building

1949, Oct. 24 – Official opening of the Memorial Parish Hall

1953, Sept. 19 – Reception at the opening of the new rectory

1962, Nov. 25 – Completion of the extension of the Parish Hall

1963, Nov. 4 – Payment completed on the mortgage on the Rectory

1983, May 25 – Church designated a Provincial Historic Resource

1984, Oct. 25 – Edmonton Historical Board Plaque Unveiling

Other dates

1910 – 1st Strathcona/6th Edmonton Scouting began

1923 – 2nd Edmonton Guides Charter issued

1943 – “A History of Holy Trinity Edmonton: 1893 – 1943”

1965 – Regimental colours of the 19th Alberta Dragoons and Edmonton Fusiliers retired to the Nave

1968 – “75th Anniversary: 1893-1968” history book

1980 – Trinity Hall residence for seniors opened

1983 – “The Stained Glass Windows” book published

1983 – Ceramic plate picturing Holy Trinity

2009 – Countess of Wessex visits

In addition to having a variety of traditional and modern worship, we are active in the community partnering with a local school, other churches and the arts community, and are involved with social justice issues.

Did you know?

Holy Trinity is embarking upon the largest pipe organ restoration and enhancement project that the instrument has seen since its installation in 1923,

We need your help to preserve and maintain the Holy Trinity Memorial Organ for generations to come.

Donations are gratefully accepted.

Mail your donation to the Church Office (Charitable tax receipts are available upon request. Please mark your donation with “Organ Fund”.)

We greatly appreciate your help and donations!

Let us give thanks for our first century!