Trinity300
Celebrating a Colonial Masterpiece
This year, our church building is 300 years old—forever linked to being fifty years older than the founding of the nation—it clearly calls for celebration!
The Trinity300 Committee has been at work, for two years, preparing to honor our history, our treasures, our traditions, our campus and our landmark sanctuary—and share it all with Newport and our many expected visitors.
Throughout 2026, we see Trinity300 offering an underlying foundation of excitement, energy, enthusiasm and edification—upon which we can celebrate the church of our ancestors while, more importantly, continuing to build the church of the future—with renewed faith—discerning and contemplating an ever-adapting Christian mission and purpose for the generations to come.
If you would like to participate in our planning or support Trinity300 in any way, please contact Jeff Clark or Bob Smith at jeffreyclark1@mac.com or rpsmith373@yahoo.com or the Trinity Church offices at 401.846.0660.
If you want to contribute to make Trinity300, donations can be made online. Consider $300 for 300! We appreciate your support for this incredible year of celebration.
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, 11:30 am — “Silver Sunday” lecture and presentation of our early silver dating back to, as far as, 1703. Mary Sinnott and antique silver expert to present.
Wednesday, April 15, ongoing — new Trinity300 edition of Semper Eadem: The History of Trinity Church, 1698-2026 available for purchase and distribution.
Sunday, May 31, 10 am — Trinity Sunday. Our patronal feast day, we will welcome special guests to worship and celebrate with a Garden Party after worship.
Friday, June 5, 5:30-7:30 pm — “Rhode Island's First Library” at Redwood Library. Panel presentation and exhibition debut—light refreshments to follow. In collaboration with Newport Historical Society and the Redwood Library. The display will remain at the library for most of the summer.
Sunday, June 21, 4:00 to 8:00 pm — “InSpire Newport—One Community” community celebration. Tented reception, musical offerings, Trinity300 program and silent auction. Ticketed event.
Friday, July 10, 5:00 to 7:30 pm — “Queen Anne Square: Trinity’s Front Yard” to honor and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of QAS by Queen Elizabeth II. Panel presentation, tour of Square and jazz reception in honor of Doris Duke. In collaboration with Newport Restoration Foundation.
Sunday, August 16, 4:00 to 6:00 pm — “Black Experience in Colonial Newport and Trinity” includes presentation, Q&A with panel lecturers and light refreshments. Location TBD. In collaboration with RI Black Heritage Society.
Monday, September 14, 5:30 to 7:30 pm — “Monday with Munday” an in-depth look into colonial architecture and aesthetics, focusing on the work of Richard Munday, Colony House, second floor presentation, main floor refreshment. In collaboration with Newport Historical Society.
Sunday, September 20, 11:00 to 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.
Sunday, September 27, during and after worship — “Founding the Future” to coincide with the first recorded church service in our church building in late September, 1726. Reimagining Trinity’s future role in the world—engaging the youth—in this spiritual exercise.
Sunday, October 11, 10 a.m — “Sea Service Sunday” to honor the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, timed in proximity of the birthday of the US Navy, as we honor Trinity’s long-time connection with the US armed forces. Service members, chaplain, color guard, Newport Naval Choristers, Navy Band. In collaboration with Naval War College.
November, date TBD — 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.
