Get to Know: Trinity Episcopal Church, DeSoto
Trinity Episcopal Church in DeSoto combines its rich history with modern sensibilities to stand as one of the only truly progressive churches in Jefferson County.
The Rt. Rev. Cicero Hawks, our first Diocesan Bishop, visited DeSoto in 1866 and presided at the first Episcopal Church service there. It was one of many services he initiated along the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad. In 1871 Trinity Parish was admitted into the Diocese of Missouri and a church was built using stones from a nearby quarry.
The church features a bell tower and several beautiful stained glass windows that date back to its founding 150 years ago. In 1997 a storm blew off a corner of the roof and severely damaged the church inside and out. The roof was re-anchored, the interior was completely refurbished, and a new granite cross replacement was hoisted into position.
The church building and its congregation remain strong today. The parish’s mission is to celebrate God’s love by serving and accepting all people. Their vision is to offer a place where the lost, broken, and spiritually wounded can once again find healing.
Trinity’s doors are open for worship every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. The Rev. Gary Nowlin has served as their priest since 2017. This small but dedicated parish serves the community by adopting and cleaning a section of Highway 110, collecting food for the local food pantry, and hosting AA meetings each week.
But perhaps their proudest accomplishment is inviting and welcoming everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, race, age, sexual identity, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
“We’re the most inclusive, liberal church in Jefferson County,” said longtime Trinity member Linda Sullivan. “We need to love one another. If we use religion as a weapon, we’re not Christian.”
Vital Stats:
Church name: Trinity Episcopal Church
Address: 202 W. Miller Street
City: De Soto
Phone: 636-586-2542
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.trinitychurchdesoto.org/
Worship Service: Sundays at 10 a.m.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to celebrate in God's love by serving and accepting all people. We are an inclusive church which supports clergy and laypeople to act in leadership at all levels of our church, regardless of our differences (ethnicity, race, age, sexual identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, etc.). Any and all are welcome to join us in worship -- loving God and loving our neighbor.
Vision Statement:
Our vision is to be a beacon of light and hope to our community. By spiritually growing and maturing in our faith, we stand together in love and offer a place where the lost, broken, and spiritually wounded can once again find healing.
Clergy: The Rev. Gary Nowlin, Priest-in-Charge
Membership: 34
Average Attendance: 13
Trinity Episcopal Church, DeSoto
