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Welcome!
We are ready to begin an unforgettable journey of discovering one of the most powerful yet most misunderstood parables of the Bible – The Parable of the Prodigal Son. We will be offering a church-wide emphasis that will include 5 weeks of preaching, small groups and personal devotional reading. Together, we seek to uncover the essential message of the parable: that the gospel is neither religion nor irreligion, neither morality nor immorality, but something else entirely.
What does this church-wide emphasis involve? There are three parts. First, there will be a corporate focus, meaning that the sermons on Sunday morning will be centered around this parable. Second, there will be an emphasis on daily reading. Each week we will read a chapter or two from the book The Prodigal God by Tim Keller. These books will be on sale in Trinity Hall. Finally, everyone will be encouraged to be a part of a small group to discuss what we are learning. There will be 10-12 groups that will meet at various times throughout the week. Some of those groups will meet at church and others will meet in people’s homes. Look for information about the different groups and see how you can get involved!
Blessings,
Matt McCollum
Pastor
Coming Soon . . .
The Presbytery of South Alabama presents:
(click on link for exciting news)
A Brief History of Trinity Presbyterian Church
From its original inception, as a small study group that was an outreach from Government Street Presbyterian Church pavilion overlooking Mobile Bay in 1904, Trinity Presbyterian Church has nurtured the faith and growth of area residents for over one hundred years.
Trinity Presbyterian Church grew from a small Bible study group that was an outreach from Government Street Presbyterian Church in Mobile. The Bible study class began when a group of women realized that a need for study and fellowship existed on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay during the summer months.
This group originally met in the homes of various members of the study group. As the summers progressed, the group grew larger and the needs more varied. In 1919 the “Alethea Cobbs Bible Class” firmly established the Presbyterian faith on the Eastern Shore when it began meeting in an open-air tabernacle located on Mobile Street and Fig Avenue in Fairhope. Then, in April 1954, forty-four charter members and the Mobile Presbytery organized Trinity Presbyterian Church as a separate congregation. Trinity purchased the property where it is now located and was received into the Presbytery of Mobile.
The first open-air tabernacle continued to serve as a meeting place for families who visited each summer. As the town of Fairhope and surrounding areas prospered, so did the church’s fellowship. In 1966, an Education Building was constructed. This was done to provide room for fellowship and a place for sharing the Presbyterian faith with interested persons.
In 1972, again to meet the needs of a growing congregation, the present sanctuary was dedicated. In 1988, the present Christian Education Building and a remodeled Fellowship Hall were dedicated. Since the time that Fairhope was a small new town, Trinity Presbyterian Church has remained a peaceful and graceful landmark overlooking MobileBay.
In late 1997 plans were made for more Sunday School classrooms, a larger Fellowship Hall and Kitchen. On June 27, 1999 we celebrated the forty-fifth anniversary of the church and the dedication of Trinity Hall. Later that same year, remodeling of the former Fellowship Hall and office facilities improved administration space and choir rooms.
Yet the growth of the church did not just occur. The decision-making entities of Trinity through the years, the Session and the once-existing Diaconate, have always consisted of conscientious, community and spiritually-minded individuals. Throughout the history of Fairhope, many of the men and women who have been its leaders have also been part of the strong, quiet strength that has guided Trinity to the place of prominence it enjoys today. Throughout the years, members of Trinity have been called to work in the growth of the Church, to foster Christianity and to help make the surrounding community a warm and inviting place to live.
Within the same neighborhood block of the Trinity main campus, church property now includes a vacant lot for additional and future parking needs and three houses which are providing rental income. Trinity Hall is approximately 10,000 square feet, with bathrooms, a large dining area and a well-equipped kitchen downstairs. Upstairs Trinity Hall is the primary space for Sunday School classes for those middle school age through adult. The Christian Education Building (downstairs) houses infant, toddler and early childhood nurseries and Sunday School, Children’s Church classrooms, and a beautiful Children’s Library.
Trinity’s first pastor was Charles L. Smith, Director of Church Extension from the Mobile Presbytery, who served as an Interim Minister. In 1954, John M. Reagan, Jr. became the church’s pastor and served until 1956.
Trinity’s extensive and varied Christian Education program provides learning opportunities for all ages. The church believes that learning and continued growth are integral aspects of the Christian faith. The church provides all age groups with knowledgeable and committed leaders for church school, youth and adult group activities.
The music department of Trinity offers opportunities to contribute to the worship service and the special programs that are performed throughout the year. We invite each and every person to receive all that the gift of music has to offer.
Trinity Presbyterian Church is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and a member of the Presbytery of South Alabama. The emphasis of the church continues to be the importance of worship. The members of Trinity Presbyterian Church look forward to growing with and the nurturing of the residents of Fairhope and the Eastern Shore for many years to come.
TO PROCLAIM AND LIVE THE LOVE OF GOD
IN JESUS CHRIST
In seeking to love and serve Christ we endeavor, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to
honor and glorify our Lord through worship
study and share the Word of God
nurture each other in the faith
live in fellowship with one another
celebrate our unity and diversity
practice deeds of compassion
encourage stewardship of all God’s gifts
work for justice for all people
bear witness to Christ in the world.
Trinity Presbyterian Church ~ Fairhope, Alabama (251) 928-2524
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