173rd Birthday Celebration for Trinity Episcopal Church
Whereas, Trinity Episcopal Church was founded in 1842 to serve the needs of Episcopalians on Chicago's South Side. It is the second oldest Episcopal Parish in Chicago and will be celebrating its 173rd Birthday in June; and
Whereas, Services were initially conducted in a public "saloon" until a building was erected on Madison and Clark streets. Later the church moved to Jackson Street between Michigan and Wabash. This building was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire, at which point Trinity moved south to its present location at 26th and Michigan; and
Whereas, An esteemed example of Gothic architecture, Trinity was the church of the wealthy, socially prominent families that lived in the historic Prairie Avenue neighborhood. The three-story parish house was erected in 1894. Around this time, Harriet Blair Borland, a life-long member, presented the church with its famous "Angel Lectern," which was designed for the World's Fair of 1893; and
Whereas, The growth of the "Gold Coast" north of the city's business district drew away many wealthy families, and Trinity's membership declined. Today, Trinity is growing again, and is a racially, culturally and economically integrated parish; and
Whereas, Trinity Episcopal Church is located on the near South Side, on the northern border of the area commonly known as "Bronzeville," the center of African-American cultural and economic life from the 1920's through the 40's. Rapid changes in the demographics of the neighborhood, related to the demolition of existing housing stock to make way for large public housing developments, resulted in Bronzeville's becoming overwhelmingly African-American and poor; and
Whereas, Today, Bronzeville is in the midst of revitalization, spurred by public investment, including the CHA's rehabilitation plans, and private market forces. The area has attracted development of new housing developments and redevelopment of grand older housing stock is on the rise. While the new investment is welcome, it cannot overshadow the fact that a large contingent of Bronzeville's residents continue to be plagued by poverty, unemployment, troubled youth and crime; and
Whereas, The unique demographics of Bronzeville make the neighborhood a challenge and an opportunity for faith communities such as Trinity, whose Pastor and congregation have recommitted to the mission of the Church and are eager to reach out to their neighbors to create strong, healthy and productive relationships; and
Whereas, The Honorable Robert W. Fioretti, Alderman of the 2nd Ward, has apprised this august body of the 173rd Birthday celebration that will take place in June of 2015 and wish Trinity Episcopal Church all the best; now, therefore
Be it Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago gathered here this eighteenth day of March 2015, do hereby salute Trinity Episcopal Church for its continued service to the Bronzeville community; and
Be it Further Resolved, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Trinity Episcopal Church.