Trinity300

"Sea Service Sunday" October 11, 2026 at 10am

On Sunday, October 11 at 10am, Trinity’s weekly worship will be dedicated to celebrating and honoring the church’s connection with the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines. Representatives from all three branches of the service have been invited to attend and participate. Chaplain David L. Duprey, a member of the Episcopal clergy and U.S. Navy Chaplain, will deliver the sermon. Trinity has planned this service as part of its Tricentennial Celebrations, and the date was scheduled to coincide with the 251st birthday of the Navy on October 13.


Active and retired service members and their families are warmly welcomed to attend, in or out of uniform. Parking information available on our website. 


Trinity Episcopal Church has had a connection with the Naval War College since 1884, when the College was founded. The congregation has regularly included NWC staff, faculty, and students. During World War II, the church had a reserved pew for the President of the NWC, Vice Admiral William S. Pyle. His successor, Admiral Raymond Spruance had the same reserved pew. Spruance’s daughter was married in the church. Much later in the 1970s, Vice Admiral James Stockdale gave a sermon from the pulpit.


Naval heroes Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and Commodore Matthew Perry were baptized at Trinity Church. The processional cross used at every service is a memorial to the founder of the Naval War College, Rear Admiral Stephen B. Luce.


Trinity300 Calendar of Events

This is a tentative calendar. Updates to events will be made as they are available.


Tuesday, January 6, 6:00pm  — Celebration of New Ministry  and Institution  of the 32nd rector of Trinity Church, The Rev. Canon Meaghan Kelly Brower. The Right Reverend Nicholas Knisely will preside. Visiting clergy, choir, special guests—all are welcome. Reception in the Hawes Room to follow.


Sunday, March 8, 4 pm — Choral Evensong  with the Trinity Church Choir and the Choir School of Newport County.


Sunday, April 12, 12:00 pm  —  “Silver Sunday” lecture and presentation of our early silver dating back to as far as 1703.  Mary Sinnott, Altar Guild Directress, and silver expert Spencer Gordon from Spencer Marks to present. The presentation will take place in the church by the altar.


Sunday, May 31, 10 am —  Trinity Sunday, with Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, The Most Reverend Sean Rowe, preacher and presider  Our patronal feast day, we will welcome special guests to worship and celebrate with a Bishop's Brunch on our property after worship.


Thursday, June 4, 5:00-7:00 pm — “Treasures of Trinity” display of art and historic publications at Redwood Library. Panel presentation with Professor John Hattendorf,  Bertram Lippincott, and Paul Miller  and exhibition debut with light refreshments. In collaboration with Newport Historical Society and the Redwood Library. The exhibit will remain at the library through the summer.


Friday, July 10, 5:00 - 7:30 pm  —  “Semicentennial on the Square” A celebration of Queen Anne Square's 50th anniversary, featuring a panel discussion on the legacy of Queen Anne Square and the wider historic preservation movement, followed by jazz music and reception. In collaboration with the Newport Restoration Foundation. The panel includes:


  • Rebecca Bertrand, Executive Director of the Newport Historical Society
  • Trudy Coxe, CEO & Executive Director of the Preservation Society of Newport County
  • Ronald J. Onorato, Emeritus Professor of Art and Architectural History at the University of Rhode Island
  • Keith Stokes, Rhode Island Historian Laureate
  • Moderated by Gina Tangorra, Director of Engagement at the Newport Restoration Foundation



Saturday, July 11 — Ceremonial Wreath Laying in the Churchyard  An America250 event in collaboration with other community partners, this wreath laying will be part of the "French in Newport" celebration. This event is offered in collaboration with the Newport Historical Society.


Monday, September 14, 5:30 - 7:30 pm  —  “Monday with Munday” an in-depth look into colonial architecture and aesthetics, focusing on the work of Master Builder Richard Munday. Presentation by historian and architect Ross Cann in Honyman Hall with tour of the church and Colony House to follow. In collaboration with Newport Historical Society.


Sunday, September 20, 11:00 - 1:00 pm  — “America’s Birthday Barbecue” on Homecoming Sunday. An opportunity to welcome the new church year and celebrate the 250th of the nation, with music from the Kentish Guards Fife & Drum Corps.


Sunday, September 27, during and after worship — “Founding the Future” Our worship will coincide with the first recorded service in our new building in late September, 1726. We will imagine Trinity's continued role in Newport as we move into the future, praying for God's grace and guidance.


Sunday, October 11, 10 a.m —  “Sea Service Sunday” In proximity to the birthday of the US Navy, we will honor Trinity's long-time connection with the US Armed Services. In collaboration with the Naval War College.


Sunday, October 18, 4pm - Choral Evensong with the Trinity Choir featuring music from the 18th century. The Right Reverend Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of the Diocese of RI, officiating.

November 14 (Tentative Date) — CB Fisk organ builder Open House an opportunity for those interested to visit Gloucester and see the final stages of Trinity’s Tricentennial organ construction.


Ongoing— new Trinity300 edition of Semper Eadem: The History of Trinity Church, 1698-2026 available for purchase and distribution in September.