There is a great deal of silence about the Episcopalians during the early years of Chambersburg until November 7, 1858, when the Rev. William Heaton came from Emmanuel Chapel, Mont Alto, to organize a mission here. They chose the name “Trinity” and held services in the “Seceder’s Church” later known as “Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church” which was located across and a little north on Second Street from the present location until that building was lost in the burning of Chambersburg by the Confederates in July of 1864. Arrangements were then made to hold services in the Masonic Temple, which had survived the destruction.
On April 1, 1869, Trinity bought the present site of the church, which was known as lot 100, and was part of the original grant to Benjamin Chambers. The purchase included a residence built by Samuel Seibert around 1850. That building is now attached to the south end of the Church and serves as a Chapel, Offices, meeting room, Sacristy and Rectory.
The cornerstone of the church was laid on July 6, 1870, and the church was consecrated on Sept. 16, 1871. In 1875, because of indebtedness, the property was lost at a sheriff’s sale. The church was purchased by friends and given to the Diocese in exchange for payment of $1.00. The house was lost to the parish until it was repurchased in 1926 and attached to the church.
In 1910 the Boy Scouts began in Chambersburg at Trinity Episcopal Church. In response to their growth, the Parish built, in 1911, the building which sits behind the church for their use. Within a few years the building was rented out to the Porter brothers as a Texaco garage. Later it was leased by the Washington House Hotel, which stood at the corner of Lincoln Way East and South Second St., for use as its laundry. In the 1950s the Parish finally renovated the building for its current use as a Parish Hall.
Over the years many improvements were made to the inside and the outside of the Church. We are proud of our small church and try to keep it a sparkling jewel dedicated to God. Specially designed stained-glass windows showing events in the life of Christ were installed in the 1970's. Stations of the Cross, beautifully carved in wood, were placed in the church in 2006
