Trinity Episcopal Cathedral - Columbia, SC - A Church with Many Programs

The Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is located at 1100 Sumter Street in Columbia, South Carolina, and traces its history back to 1814. The location was spared during the Union Army's burning of Columbia. The present architecture began in 1845. This conversion changed the early church from a wooden structure to the current Gothic Revival style. The architect, Edward Brickell White, was influenced by the Gothic style that has been revived in England, particularly in Ecclesiastical form. The fazade of the cathedral faces west. The cathedral, which can be reached by calling 803-771-7300, is located across the street from the South Carolina State House grounds.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the churchyard, in which many notable South Carolinians were buried. These include: General Wade Hampton and six South Carolina governors. Historic oak trees shade the area and the churchyard is surrounded by an iron fence. In 2006, the cathedral pledged nearly $6 million for repairs and renovations. The renovations are expected to be completed in time for the location's bicentennial anniversary in 2012. Individual contributions for this project continue to be accepted.

In February of 1971, the cathedral was added to the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places. The cathedral is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina.

During the summertime, May through September, the cathedral offers three Sunday services. Services are held at 8am, 10am, and 6pm. During the week, services are held at the following times: Mondays at 5:15pm, Tuesdays at 12:15pm, Wednesdays at 7:30am, and at 12:15pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

The cathedral admits over 4,200 baptized members. Members are encouraged to participate in several service guilds that support and maintain the church services. These include: The Acolyte Guild, the Altar Guild, the Flower Guild, lectors, ushers, and greeters. The cathedral also provides Eucharistic Visitors who will bring the Eucharist to infirm members of the congregation. The Trinity Foundation is the financial vehicle that handles the allocation of contributions that fall outside of general operational costs.

There are several different choirs for members to join. The Cathedral Choir is 36 members and has toured Europe several times. They lead the Sunday morning music service. Admission is granted via audition. There are also boys and girls choirs, which are for children in the third grade or higher. From September until Ash Wednesday, concerts are held on Wednesdays by visiting music groups that generally focus on classical instruments.

The parish newsletter is Tidings, which is published weekly, except during summertime. During the summertime, it is published bi-weekly.

The parish also has a center for ministry. The Trinity Center for Mission and Ministry revolves around a 39,000 square foot building that houses conference rooms, a dining hall, shower facilities, a playground, and exercise areas. This center is part of the outreach program that the cathedral sponsors. The parish participates in several missionary and ministerial programs. These programs include Sunday Morning Breakfasts, Housing Corporation, Soup Cellar Ministry, a Winter Shelter, and a grant program for youths.

The cathedral also offers several programs for Christian Education. These include adult programs, youth programs, inquiry classes, and ongoing Bible study groups.