Trinity Episcopal Church on the Green, New Haven, CT

About the church
Trinity on the Green has been an important part of the history of New Haven for over 300 years.  Its present building, the first example of a neo-Gothic Church in America, was consecrated in 1816.  Trinity has a rich history of both preaching and music.  It’s choir of men and boys recently celebrated its 125th anniversary.  The music program also includes a choir of men and girls, and mixed adult choir and contemporary choir.

Revitalizing the 9 AM: Keeping Worship “Contemporary” in Changing Times
The 11AM liturgy at Trinity has always been a formal liturgy, often with traditional music provided by the choir of men and boys.  The 9AM liturgy, on the other hand, has historically been the “contemporary” worship service.  In the 1960s, the 9AM liturgy was held at the Parish House, its worship service foreshadowing later reforms in the Episcopal Church, including receiving communion standing around the Altar.  In 1970, the 9AM service was brought over to the main church building.  A rock band led the music, and worship elements were in keeping with the spirit of reforms and experimentation that characterized the early 1970s.  This service grew to become the largest service offered by the church.  In the 1980s, the rock band was dissolved, and the Spirit Singers, a volunteer adult choir, was formed to lead the congregation in music.  Folk music, much of it rooted in the spirit of the 1970s continued to characterize the music style, and the people continued to flock to the 9AM.
Today, the 9AM no longer sees the large numbers that attended this service during the 1970s and 1980s.  The church is therefore examining the liturgy and music of this service, in particular, to see how it might keep the service “contemporary” in the real sense of that word while still being true to the larger traditions of the Episcopal Church.  This ongoing work will be aided by participation in the Congregations Project.

Address:

Corner of Chapel and Temple St.
New Haven, CT
website

Team Members:

Walden Moore, Director of Music and Team Leader
Vicki Davis, Associate Rector
Andy Kotylo, Associate Director of Music