History

Trinity Church was organized as a parish in 1874 upon the approval of the Bishop of Illinois. The first building was completed in 1877, only to be destroyed by fire in 1899. Just two years later, however, the core of the present building had risen in its place.

Peter Clark Wolcottt was born in New York, New York, May 4, 1856. He became an Episcopal deacon in 1879.
He served the Diocese of Iowa. until his February 3, 1892 election as the first rector of the Trinity Episcopal Church.

Reverend Wolcott served as the churches Rector, 1892-1925.

In addition to his clerical duties, he served on the Highland Park Public Library Board, 1893-1923, and on the high school board, 1898-1916. He served terms as president of the library board and terms as chief executive for the high school board.

Dr. Wolcott married Elinor Louise Smith in 1885, and the couple had three children who grew up in Highland Park.

Rev. Peter C Wolcott - First Rector at Trinity

The Parish Hall was built in 1912. The bell tower, the entryway and enlarged worship space date to 1957 and complete the building as we see it today. An exceptional three-manual, 47 rank Aeolian-Skinner organ was also installed in the 1957 remodeling.

Over the years, Trinity Church established three churches in the area: St. Elisabeth's in Glencoe (1896), Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest (1898), and St. Gregory's in Deerfield (1950.)

Trinity’s more recent history is reflected in our exceptional rectors over the past 45 years. In 1969 the Rev. Douglas M. Spence became our rector and served the parish faithfully for 24 years until his retirement. He shared his passion for social justice and other causes with the congregation, challenging Trinity to engage the wider world. It is during his tenure that Trinity helped establish Tri-Con Child Care Center (1971), a low-income daycare center that Trinity continues to house rent-free.

The Rt. Rev. Terry A. White served as our rector from 1995 to 2004. Fr. White, now the Bishop of Kentucky, left Trinity to serve as Dean of the Cathedral in the Diocese of West Missouri until being consecrated bishop in 2010. Under his guidance, all aspects of Trinity’s liturgy and music were greatly enhanced. The Rev. Andrea Mysen became Trinity’s rector in 2005 and remained with us until 2014, when she was called as Associate for Ministries for the Diocese of Chicago. Under her direction Trinity became a spiritual home for a more diverse community, helping Trinity to more fully embrace God’s children.

The Rev. Court Williams was our rector from 2015 until 2021.

We are currently served by the Rev. Bryan Cones as priest in charge.

Trinity Church Campus

Trinity church is located in the heart of Highland Park. The campus includes a beautiful English Gothic church building constructed of brick in 1901 and greatly enlarged in 1957, seating 350. Various other additions enhanced the building over the years including: a fellowship hall (1920s), classrooms, office space, a formal parlor know as the Guild Room, a chapel (all 1930s) with columbarium (1980s). Throughout this period generous memorials allowed for the addition of many artistic, finely crafted stained glass windows. Trinity also owns a rectory, built in 1915, situated immediately to the east of the other buildings, with a two-car detached garage.

Early view of Trinity Sanctuary (above)

Trinity Postcard - circa 1908

Trinity Cornerstone

East Door of Bell Tower

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