Trinity Church
Original Building
Sebringville, Ontario
Perth County
Circa 1887
In 1872, Trinity Anglican Church was formed by five families as a mission of Stratford’s St. James Anglican Church. Land was eventually obtained to build the church, and in 1887 Trinity Church was built on Concession 1, Lot 17, Ellice Township in Sebringville. Faced with a declining congregation, Trinity’s parishioners unanimously decided to close its doors in 1997. The building was moved to the Village later that year.
Trinity Church is one of the few remaining examples of “Carpenter Gothic” architecture in Ontario, and is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. The Canadian adaptation of the European Gothic architecture style utilizes wood instead of stone, and includes elements such as fancy scroll work and board-and-batten siding. Trinity Church is also distinctive in its “Holy Trinity” theme, which dictates that all seating, banks of lights, windows and carved ornamentation are set in groups of three.
In the early 20th century churches continued to play a large role in people’s lives, not only as a place of worship, but by also providing philanthropic and social opportunities. As towns grew, churches evolved to meet the needs of their urban audiences by forming public welfare organizations such as the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), its female equivalent (YWCA), and the Salvation Army.
Religious Diversity
Since the arrival of explorers and missionaries, various religious beliefs have been introduced to Canada. However, this was a place already thriving with diverse Indigenous spirituality.
The role religion would play in communities and decision making would be dominated by Christian mindsets well into the 20th century, greatly affecting Indigenous peoples, religious minorities, and those seeking refuge or wishing to immigrate to Canada.
Freedom of religion in Canada is now protected by the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act. Government laws cannot restrict a person’s religious freedom unless it infringes on other rights and values, for example, the right to equality.
Building restoration supported by Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
The wedding of Mildred and Emerson Cash in Trinity Anglican Church, 1942. London and Middlesex Heritage Museum Archives, Courtesy of Jim Cash
The stained glass window at the back of Trinity Church.
Trinity Church enroute to the Village in three parts, 1997. London and Middlesex Heritage Museum Archives
The front alter of Trinity Church with stained glass above.
Trinity church has a number of architectural and decorative elements that celebrate the holy "Trinity" through the use of threes.
Trinity Anglican Church in its original location in Sebringville, circa 1948. London and Middlesex Heritage Museum Archives, Courtesy of Jack Young
Inside Trinity Church the archways are visible. Here Trilliums can be seen carved into the arches as ornamentation.
Trinity Church with the sun setting behind it.