Trinity is one of 182 parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut.  The Episcopal Church is part of Anglican Communion – a world–wide family of Churches comprising 80 million members.  The Anglican Communion is part of the One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.  Trinity was founded as a “sister church” of Old St. Andrews in Bloomfield on June 29, 1848.  We began holding worship services in Mitchelson Hall on Elm Street.  In 1856 we bought an old church building that had been abandoned by the Presbyterians.  The first resident pastor was the Reverend Henry H. Bates, who served until 1858.  In those early years, the parish was strong and the Sunday School enrollment was 110.  In 1871, the railroad came through and the Church property was seized to make way for the tracks.  It was then that the present sanctuary on Church Street was built.  Bishop Williams laid the cornerstone in June 1872 and consecrated the finished building on July 8, 1873.  The new Church was built of Portland brownstone for a cost of $20,296.56.  The bell was installed in 1876 at a cost of $560. In the 1880’s, Tariffville had a severe economic crisis due to the bankruptcy of the village’s two major employers.  Most residents had to move elsewhere for employment and the Church nearly folded.  But a faithful remnant kept the Church open during the hard times.  In 1891, an English firm purchased the mills in the village and began the manufacture of lace curtains.  People began to return and the Church revived.  In 1898, the present organ was installed.  The present rectory was donated to the church in 1919.  In 1932, the Parish Hall was built at a cost of $32,204.  And in 1968, the present Sunday school and office building were built. During the 1970’s, Trinity became a lively center of community social life, with many community suppers, dances and house tours.  In 1975, the Rev. Frances Howard became Rector.  During his tenure, many important changes occurred.  There was a conscious effort to establish a more spiritual retreat experience and emphasis on the healing ministry.  During his tenure, the parish decided to put an emphasis on the healing ministry.  For the first time in its history, Trinity hired assistant clergy with major responsibility for youth work.  Over the course of 18 years, Trinity has employed six curates, all of whom made a positive impact on the youth ministry of the parish.  Fr. Howard retired in 1999. In 2000, the parish called the Rev. Tom Furrer (one of its former youth ministers) to be the new Rector.  Under his leadership, Trinity continues to be a Christ–centered Evangelical parish and a center of orthodox theology and spiritual renewal in the Episcopal Church.  In 2003, the parish completed a major building expansion project to accommodate a rapidly growing congregation.  We invite others to join us in the great adventure of serving a living, risen Lord. Trinity Episcopal Church,  11 Church Street,  Tarrifville, CT 06081 Telephone:  (860)651-0201,  FAX:  (860)651-0203 E-Mail:  trinitychurch@trinitytariffville.org