OUR STORY
HISTORIC FOUNDING - A Community in Exile from the Larger Christian Body
Holy Trinity was born on June 10, 1990 with the informal gathering of 12 people, all of whom had been exiled from their faith communities across the city due to the emergence of HIV and AIDS. Fear and stigma surrounding the health crisis caused houses of worship in Memphis to exclude people and bar them from church.
In daring ministry, our trailblazing founders were united in the creation of an inviting place where all people could come together with dignity to worship knowing that, as described in Romans 8:39, “Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus.”
The inaugural worship service as a wider church body occurred on February 10, 1991 at a small A-frame building on the corner of Monroe Ave. and East Parkway now called Overton Chapel. It emerged as a greatly needed place of worship. The first of its kind in the Mid-South.
Attendance grew and the church moved to a rental event space on Midtown's Madison Ave., fondly nicknamed "the bread factory" due to the building's former use. In 1998, Holy Trinity purchased its own building on Summer Ave., a modest converted former bank building.
In 2003, the church purchased its present home on Highland St. at Spottswood Ave. in the University of Memphis district. In addition to a sanctuary, the church has, over the years, housed various community organizations and has initiated vital outreach programs.
In 2007, Holy Trinity became a member of the United Church of Christ, renowned for inclusivity and social justice.
TODAY- A Pillar of the Memphis Faith Community
Things have evolved since our unprecedented founding over three decades ago. Advances in medicine and public education have diminished stigmas against HIV/AIDS. Discrimination has lessened somewhat replaced by calls for human rights, compassion and integrated healthcare.
Our inaugural mission remains steadfast as a sacred space for the spiritually battered and a big voice for human rights. Holy Trinity's social impact and unique identity are unparalleled, continuing to fill a spiritual need for the city. Without fear of rejection or ridicule, we are proudly inclusive of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, economic condition and theological background.
TODAY - Unmatched
While other area churches may mirror Holy Trinity's culture of inclusion, we are unmatched as an alternative way to experience church. You're not engulfed in a large congregation. We're a small, informal place to belong, where you'll be personally welcomed and recognized - because of who you are.
DIVERSITY - Our Strength
United in our affirming faith, we celebrate pride, our God-given identities and God’s unending love for all.
COMMUNITY - Inside
Our church gathers to worship, affirmed as God’s children: loved, accepted and blessed in community.
Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. in-person and streaming live on Facebook
Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. each week
Voices of Vision – our virtuosic choir, an integral part of the worship experience
Martha’s Mission – fellowship and food for monthly potluck lunches and church events
Member church of the United Church of Christ since 2007
Member church of Missouri Mid-South Conference, St. Louis Association of UCC
COMMUNITY - Outside
Our outreach reflects a strong social conscious.
Food Pantry – free shelf-stable food for neighbors facing hunger and food insecurity
901 Community Fridge – free food 24/7 at outdoor refrigerator on church campus
Trunk or Treat – safe neighborhood Halloween event in church parking lot
Weddings and memorial services - facilitated by the church
Memphis Wesley - collaborator with the University of Memphis campus ministry
Mid-South Pride - participant and supporter
City-wide Meetings - occasional free public forums on timely topics
COMMUNITY - Legacy
Our legacy includes support of community organizations once housed at Holy Trinity on Highland St.
They include Triangle Journal newspaper office, Mid-South Pride headquarters, Cotton Pickin’ Square Dancers Club, Seriously Sober AA program and The Caring Group mindfulness collective.