Trinity Episcopal Church, Wilmington

Trinity Episcopal Church on North Adams Street stands as a significant example of late 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture in Wilmington, Delaware. Designed by Theophilus P. Chandler and completed in 1890, the church is constructed from locally sourced Avondale limestone laid in rough ashlar blocks, giving the exterior a rustic yet refined presence. Its tall, steep roof, buttresses, pointed arch windows, and high spire-with side pinnacles and a tower added in 1925-further emphasize its English Gothic roots. The church’s interior showcases intricately carved wooden supports shaped like angels, and its bell tower houses twelve bronze bells that mark the hours with resonant clarity.

Trinity Parish includes this Adams Street church as well as Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes), located three miles away and dating to 1699. Together, these sites represent centuries of Episcopal tradition in Wilmington and are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additions to the Adams Street campus over time-such as a parish house and rectory in 1911, and a chapel in 1949-reflect its continued growth. A notable feature of the property is the Harris House, a brick rowhouse connected to the church complex by a second-story walkway.

More than a historical landmark, Trinity Episcopal Church is a vibrant urban parish that draws congregants from varied backgrounds and cultures. It embraces a bilingual community, offering both English and Spanish-language services and ministries. Despite operating at two locations, the parish remains united in its commitment to inclusive worship, service, and community presence in the heart of Wilmington.