1949
Initial discussions are held about starting an Episcopal Church in Naples as the small group gathers for worship on the porch of the original Naples Beach Hotel.
1950
The Reverend Leonard R. Stryker leads the new mission congregation. The Church of the Nativity is chartered May 12, 1950. Land for church building is donated by Port Royal developer Glen Sample. In conjunction with the donation of a building site, the church name is changed from Church of the Nativity to Trinity-by-the-Cove and reincorporated.
1951
Ground breaking is held for the church building designed by Palm Beach architect Howard Major. The Congregation continues to meet during construction with several priests officiating. Church building is consecrated by Bishop Louttit. The non-seasonal congregation, numbering 26, votes to become a permanent year-round congregation.
1954 -1955
The Reverend Kee Harrison is appointed Priest-in-Charge. Plans for the parish hall and rectory are developed for land across the street from the church. A fund raising drive is started to purchase 4Y2 lots along Galleon Drive and to fund construction. Father Harrison requests the development of a junior choir to sing at the 9:00 a.m. service. Youth programs draw children from all of Naples who enjoy gathering on Sunday evenings. Trinity-by-the-Cove is admitted as a parish in the Diocese of South Florida. An Episcopal Church Women group is started. The parish hall and rectory are completed.
1959
Fr. Harrison resigns as Rector. The Reverend Richard Lambert is called as second Rector. Fr. Lambert will serve Trinity for twenty years.
1959-1979
During Fr. Lambert's tenure, Trinity participates in the planning and construction of regional mission churches. Six are planned and five are built: St. Paul's, St. Mark's, St. Barnabas, St. John's and St. Mary's. The east and west wings of the parish hall are constructed. A second rectory is acquired. Father Lambert establishes the staff position of Christian Education Director. Trinity establishes a five-day accredited pre-school that serves Naples families until 1980.
1960
Hurricane Donna results in major damage to church buildings and grounds.
1969
The Diocese of Southwest Florida is established with the Right Reverend William Hargrave elected as the
first bishop.
1971-1975
Fr. Lambert is elected Dean of the Fort Myers Deanery.
1975
Plans are developed for a new altar and installation of a pipe organ.
1979
Fr. Lambert leaves Trinity.
1980
The Reverend Adam Lewis is called to serve as the third Rector of the parish.
1980-1983
During Fr. Lewis' tenure, the church physical plant is established as a priority and efforts are initiated to restore church buildings to top condition. Parish outreach programs are revitalized and the Naples Antiques Show and Sale is established. The church pipe organ is enlarged. Fr. John Arms serves as Assistant Rector.
1983
Fr. Lewis departs Trinity to become Rector of Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Wilmington, Delaware. The Reverend Gordon Mann is called to serve as the fourth Rector.
1983-1987
During Fr. Mann's tenure, numerous goals are set forth by the Vestry. In particular 1) to become missionary-minded again, 2) to maintain participation in the life of the Diocese, 3) to maintain the momentum that had been building, 4) to improve congregational development in terms of lay participation, adult education and improved communications among all segments of the parish. Trinity experiences a renewal of young family attendance and participation in programs led by Assistant Rector, The Reverend Dale Marta.
1987
Fr. Mann departs Trinity to serve as a mission-developer in the Diocese of South Carolina.
1987
The Very Reverend Malcolm Eckel, who assisted Fr. Mann during the winter months, is asked to become Priest-in-Charge while the vestry searches for a new Rector. This is the beginning of several interim ministry assignments at Trinity for Dean Eckel.
1988
The Reverend Nathaniel "Bud" Hynson is called as Trinity's fifth Rector.
1988-1993
During Fr. Hynson's tenure, the church increases emphasis on developing ideas, programs, and activities to attract young people to the parish. Trinity plans and executes a design for the west courtyard facility. Fr. Larry Hooper is ordained priest. Under his leadership as Associate Rector, youth education numbers grow quickly. Parish financial support is greatly enhanced. St. Monica's mission is established by St. John's and receives support from Trinity. The Sacristy addition to the church building is completed. The congregation raises $527,000 to refurbish physical structures and additional office space.
1993
Fr. Hynson departs Trinity to become Archdeacon of the Diocese of Southwest Florida. Dean Malcolm Eckel returns for an interim ministry and is assisted by Fr. Leon Bryan.
1994
The Reverend Ernest DuRoss is called to serve as the sixth Rector of the parish.
1994-1997
During Fr. DuRoss' tenure, the church experiences a resurgence of growth of younger families. Fr. DuRoss establishes a staff position of Youth Director. Trinity calls The Reverend Read Heydt to serve as Associate Rector. Trinity contributes significantly to Habitat for Humanity and provides financing and labor to build several homes for lower-income families. Trinity experiences a renewed focus on biblical significance. Small group bible studies are started. Parish life enjoys revitalization and activities such as Wednesday Night Out, progressive dinners and a trip to the Holy Land provide rich experiences. The secondary rectory, Windward Way, is sold and proceeds are earmarked to supplement clergy housing. Trinity continues its tradition of mission support through committing financially to the new mission in East Naples, the Church of the Resurrection. Fr. DuRoss departs Trinity.
1997
Vestry appoints Fr. Read Heydt, Associate Rector as Priest-in-Charge during the rector search.
1998
The Reverend Jess Petty serves as Interim Rector.
1999
Fr. Petty and Fr. Heydt depart Trinity. Fr. Steve Jacobson serves briefly as Interim Rector.
1999
The Reverend Michael Basden is called as the seventh Rector of the parish.
1999 - 2000
During Fr. Basden's tenure, work proceeds with implementing Vestry staffing initiatives. Trinity calls Deacon Todd McDowell as Associate Rector with primary responsibility for developing and managing Christian formation for children and youth. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program is established. Trinity raises $600,000 to fund maintenance and physical plant remodeling projects, including the parish offices and the rectory.
Deacon McDowell is ordained priest. Trinity continues offering alternative liturgical services on Saturday. Trinity continues to build on extensive pastoral/fellowship programs. The vestry adopts a comprehensive Investment Policy and consolidates various standalone funds into a single endowment known as the Trinity Circle Fund. The parish mission statement is rewritten to reflect a principal focus on the proclamation of the Good News of the Gospel, and the support of the church in the continual transformation of a life in Christ through worship, learning, friendship and service to others.
2001
Alice Sadler is called as Associate Rector and is ordained Deacon with special focus on adult formation and pastoral care initiatives. Trinity initiates a concurrent 9:00 a.m. Rite III service held in the parish hall in order to meet increasing attendance. Adult formation programs are expanded. A New Member/Ministry Coordinator position is established to manage new member initiatives and evangelism efforts. The Vestry authorizes acquisition of the 1 ½ lots adjacent to and west of the rectory.
2002
The Rev. Alice Sadler is ordained priest. Trinity-by-the-Cove commits to a detailed strategic planning process to establish future objectives and priorities.
2003-2004
Extensive emphasis is placed on parish program expansion, in particular, Adult Formation offerings on Sunday mornings. Additional weekday bible studies and small groups are established and a group travels to Greece and Turkey for the Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of Paul .
2005-2006
An extensive and parish-wide fund raising program with a goal to raise $8 million for the needed expansion and renovation to the parish hall, moving the rectory, doubling the endowment, and possibly adding a stand-alone chapel is undertaken. $4.9 million is raised and construction and renovation of Phase I is completed that included building three state-of-the-art Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atriums, a Youth Room, additional parking, and funds to move the Rectory to the most westerly vacant lot of the campus.
2006
Andrew McMullen from Kansas City is called by the Rector to be Associate Rector and is ordained to the Priesthood at Trinity. Andrew’s special focus' are to oversee youth and young family ministries. Vestry authorizes the purchase of a house in the Autumn Woods subdivision with a bequest from the Jewell estate to be used as housing for an associate rector. The Mission Commission successfully plans and fulfills a six day trip to the Mississippi area devastated by Hurricane Katrina August, 2005. Over 20 parishioners travel to the area and worked “mucking out” homes that had been consumed by 25 feet of water.
Throughout the year many smaller repair and refurbishing items are completed to the campus that included: hurricane damage to the steeple, installation of lightning rods on the church; replacement to the canal rip rap and the rectory dock.
2007
After research and extensive discussion with the Bishop of New Orleans and his staff, the church undertakes an initiative called Health Home and Hope and raises over $300,000 to be used in New Orleans in those areas still trying to recover from the hurricanes of 2005. A group of parishioners travel to New Orleans to volunteer their time where directed by the Bishop’s office. One of the small outbuildings to the west of the church is completely renovated (made possible by a generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. David Bergland) into the All Souls Chapel to provide a place for intercessory and private prayer.
Parishioner Lisa Richard is hired to fill the Director of Catechesis position and Judy Fratus is hired as Member/Ministry Coordinator. The Vestry establishes a Service Commission to allow opportunities for parishioners to volunteer their time and talent for at least four service projects throughout the year.
2008
Vestry initiates a new SAGES (Seniors Are God’s Experienced Servants) Commission to focus on issues associated with Trinity’s senior members. An Organ Refurbishing fund is completed and over 200 parishioners respond donating over $118,000 to replace and revoice pipes and make mechanical improvements consisting primarily of new combination action.
The Endowment Fund continues to grow as parishioners become more aware of ways they and their estates can participate. The Vestry establishes the Good Samaritan Fund and once again the parish responds generously. This fund allows the clergy to assist parishioners with financial support when it become necessary. The original $2.3 million mortgage taken out in 2003, is completely paid off.
The Trinity Wellness Committee was established with the Health Fair and monthly educational luncheons. The services are provided by volunteer nurses of the Trinity family.
2009
Fr. Andrew McMullen leaves for a call as rector to a parish in Colorado. Linda Gemmer becomes Director of Catechesis after Lisa Richard moves to Texas with her family.
The youth, who were to be confirmed, traveled to Italy to enhance their spiritual growth. The pilgrims visited Florence, Assisi and Rome. It was a unique experience to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis and visiting St. Francis' Chapel on Palm Sunday, where he actually prayed.
The Rev. Edward Gleason is called as Associate Rector with special focus on Youth and Young Families. In July, Fr. Edward, his wife, Virginia and his children Howard and Eleanor arrived.
In October, Trinitarians celebrated the tenth anniversary of Father Basden's ministry at Trinty-by-the-Cove. Held at the Naples Beach and Golf Club, he was celebrated with a kazoo chorus; Diocean Squares, based on Hollywood Squares, and wonderful fellowship.
2010
The Rev. Ann Stevenson and The Rev. Tad Meyer joined the Trinity Staff to assist during high season.
The Scottish Baptismal Font was dedicated in the East Courtyard. The two hundred year old stone font was a generous gift from Mary and Steve Smith.
Trinitarians deepen their support of Tumani (meaning Hope) Organization. This international faith-based charity was created to help improve the health and life circumstances of the children of parents who have or have died from AIDS. The Tumani Fund was established to support this ministry.
The first Mardi Gras party was held on Shrove Tuesday with lots of joy prior to the holy day of Ash Wednesday.
Mission Statement