History of Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park IL

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. 

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.\