Our Mission

Trinity is a progressive Christian church in the Episcopal tradition, where we believe that every person has a share in God‘s love: a love that is inclusive, unconditional, abundant, and meant to be expressed through action in the world.

History, Art, Architecture

Trinity Episcopal Church was founded in 1867, with a clear sense of mission and ministry to the community of Santa Barbara.

2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the construction of the current Trinity Episcopal Church building. The current church building was constructed between 1912 and 1919, based on plans developed by Philip H. Frohman, noted supervising architect for the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The style is English Perpendicular Gothic. In 1925 the great Santa Barbara earthquake destroyed parts of the church. Reconstruction was completed along with the addition of the Parish Hall in 1927.

Built from native sandstone, the original structure lacked any reinforcing steel. In 1998, faced with new, local, seismic safety ordinances that threatened to close the church, Trinity raised the funds for a retrofitting project that brought the church up to current earthquake standards.

The solemn beauty of Trinity Episcopal Church has provided solace and consolation to people in grief, in trouble, and in transition. It is also a place of celebration, and thanksgiving for life’s many blessings and sacraments, including Eucharist, Baptism, Matrimony, Confirmations, and other rites. Trinity is a place where parishioners, community members, and others on The Way can turn to worship, pray, reflect, and find hospitality.

View the 2012 article from the Santa Barbara Independent here.

Read Lou Smitheram’s “The History of Trinity Church”

Our Windows

The beautiful memorial windows of Trinity Episcopal Church were installed over a 30-year period as funds became available. All but the clerestory windows and “Christ and the Centurion” on the west wall were designed and fabricated by the Judson Studios in Los Angeles. Now celebrating 103 years in business, this studio is credited with producing many of the most exquisite stained glass windows throughout the United States.

Windows, Art, and Architecture