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February, now almost over, is Black History Month. Black history is, of course, history, with the emphasis on making sure history that might otherwise be neglected is remembered boldly. Historic Black lives matter.

I am particularly interested in Trinity’s history as a site for one of the colonial “Bray Schools,” for the education of enslaved Black children. The school, which was encouraged by Benjamin Franklin, was approved by the Vestry in 1762, “so long as the slave children must belong to parishioners and that half would be boys and half would be girls.” Franklin visited the school in 1763. By 1774, under the leadership of Mary Brett, the school had 38 enslaved children enrolled. The school met in the Peter Bours house, and still stands at 47 Division Street, a block from Trinity.

The motivations, purpose and outcomes of the school were, as historians say, “Complicated,” but Trinity wanted to be of service to the local community, to improve and transform lives, and minister to those with specific needs. 

Can Trinity continue this legacy of service as its new building for education is dedicated next Fall? While it will provide an excellent home for Trinity’s children on Sunday, what can it do for Aquidneck Island’s children during the week? And their parents? Can it help provide food, protection, advocacy and care?

I hope and pray so.

Timothy Safford, Interim Rector

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

The 2024 Trinity Annual Report is now available!

Please click on the image of Trinity on the right to review the full report before the March 2nd Annual Meeting in the Hawes Room after the 10:00AM Service. After the Annual Meeting there will be an Open House Tour of the new building and refreshments!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

The Annual Meeting: March 2, 2025, 11:00AM

Join us after the 10AM service in the Hawes Room for the Annual Meeting.

After the meeting there will be an Open House Tour of the New Building! Refreshments after the tour!

Construction as of 02/20/2025

Trinity Serves Capital Campaign

On March 2^nd after the Annual Meeting, the congregation will have the opportunity to walk through the new building. You will be able to see layout of the offices, classrooms, and nursery.

The total cost of the building and move-in expenses is projected to be about a total of $1.8M. The current projection is that we will have a July move-in date. We still need to raise an additional $240K to ensure that we will not need a mortgage after completion. 

Please consider taking advantage of the available naming opportunities listed below. You may choose to honor a family member or friend and leave a lasting tribute through your philanthropy.

New Construction Naming Opportunities: 

Classroom A                             $100,000 

Classroom B                            $100,000

Mill Street Entrance                   $ 75,000

Nursery                                     $50,000

Landscaping and planting           $30,000

Small Meeting Room                   $25,000

Ground floor furnishings              $20,000

Built-in storage (3)                       $10,000 / Office

Restroom (2)                                $10,000 / Room

Main Entrance Plaque            $5,000 and above

Thank you

Norris Commodore, Senior Warden

The Rev. Norm MacLeod and Elizabeth Stevens are leading a delegation from Trinity to this important meeting on March 8 of local Episcopal churches and the RI Council of Churches to organize for political action and advocacy. If interested in joining the group and carpooling, contact Norm and Elizabeth directly.

Trinity Church Reading Group: The next meeting will be March 10, at 5PM. This group will be reading “Sipsworth”, a novel, by Simon Van Booy. Please contact Anne Glenn if you are interested. Click on her name to write an email.

Pledge Envelopes



For those who have made a pledge and are waiting for the pledge envelopes they can be found in the back of the Tower Room

Each box has a name so please only take what is yours.

SAVE THE DATE!

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper: March 4, 2025. First seating at 5:30PM, 6:00PM Special Surprise, and 6:30PM Kitchen is closed.

Ash Wednesday: March 5, 2025. 8:00AM and 12PM Service.

Palm Sunday: April 13, 2025. 8:00AM and 10:00AM Service.

Maundy Thursday: April17, 2025: Emmanuel Church.

Good Friday: April 18, 2025. Noon Service.

Easter Vigil, Holy Saturday: April19, 2025. St. John the Evangelist.

Easter Sunday: April 20, 2025. 8:00Am and 10:00AM Service.

Baptism Dates: April 27, 2025: Easter II and June 15, 2025: Pentecost. Please contact the Parish Administrator for more information.

Bishop Visitation: April 27, 2025. Bishop of Rhode Island, The Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely will be visiting Trinity Church. There are scheduled baptisms and confirmations for that date. Please join us for a special reception afterwards. 

How to get involved

Parish Administration Assistance: Please contact the Parish Administrator if you can spare an hour or two during that week.

Mens Bible Study: Meets weekly on Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00PM via Zoom. If interested in joining, please contact john_gilmartin@mac.com.

Choir Practices: If interested, please contact the Michael at michaelbahmann@yahoo.com or Fred at fred_jodry@brown.edu.

Prayer Shawl Group (PSG) This Group meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month, 1-3PM in the Hawes Room. The group creates Prayer Shawls, Baptismal Blankets and fellowship. All knitting and crochet talent welcomed.

Trinity Loves and Cares (TLC): If you would like to learn about pastoral care and helping others in our parish, please contact Pam Alexander. Sometime a phone call or card can keep us all connected.

*Should you have any questions, contact the Parish Administrator, Molly Chamberlain. 401-846-0660

Community Meal Needs Volunteers

A warm meal and comradery can make a difference. We have been very busy this year and are serving about 100 guests per meal. We delight in providing a restaurant-like experience for our guests but need your help! Please consider joining the team (we have a lot of fun!) by signing up for the many open volunteer slots here: Community Meal Calendar Sign Up. We always serve on the 1st, 4th, and 5th Mondays of the month. - D'arcy Carr.

Trinity Loves and Cares 

Trinity Loves and Cares is a ministry of pastoral care of praying for and providing support to members of Trinity Church for February 2025, the TLC coordinator is Diane Myers. Click on her name and you can write her an email.



Message from TLC: "People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” – Carol Burnett, Comedian and Actress

The Trinity Altar Society is happy to assist you in providing flowers as a beautiful symbol of what we offer to God in our worship. Whether to honor a loved one’s memory, to celebrate a special occasion, or simply in thanksgiving, it only takes a phone call or an e-mail to Chris Pimentel, cap5182@cox.net

Tower Lighting

The historic spire of Trinity Church is lit nightly. When you contribute to the cost of lighting, you may memorialize a person who has passed or give thanks for an event, like an anniversary or birthday. The traditional offering is $50, but please give as the Spirit moves! Contact Molly Chamberlain, Parishadmin@trinitynewport.org to make arrangements.  

Worship Participants

Preacher: The Rev. Timothy Safford

Co-Music Director & Organist: L. Frederick Jodry

Acolyte & Crucifer: 8:00AM , 10:00AM Karen Nash.

Lector & Intercessor: 8:00AM Mary dePinho, 10:00AM Norey Cullen.

Ushers: Scott Bartlett, Debbie Bartlett & Karina Valencia

Altar Society: Lisa Trainor, Pam Alexander & Terry Commodore

A/V:

Sunday School: Dolores Bauer & Melissa Moniz.

Coffee Hour: Tricia Baylor