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History of the Parish |
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Prior to the year 1881 people in and around Onancock, in
order to attend Episcopal services, journeyed to Accomac
(Sunday morning) or Pungoteague or Temperanceville on alternate Sunday afternoons.
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1881 |
The Diocesan Missioner, on a visit to Accomac County casually remarked
that “You good people [of Onancock] need a little chapel.” By noon the next day
someone had given the land, another offered lumber, cash donations were promised
and another offered to draw plans for the church structure, at no cost. It was
thus that Holy Trinity was born. |
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The Rev. Francis M. Birch accepted a call to the
Episcopal Churches of Accomack County that same year.
It was under his leadership that the foundation for the
church building was laid. The framework was almost
finished when Father Birch resigned in 1883. The
congregation was fifty members strong. |
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1886 |
On Palm Sunday, March 26, 1886, Holy Trinity
Episcopal Church, Onancock, opened its doors for the very first service with the
Rev. John McNabb officiating. The Accomack Cure included Holy Trinity,
Emmanuel, Jenkins Bridge, St. Georges, Pungoteague, and St. James, Accomac. |
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1893 |
The church was consecrated and soon after became
a separate parish. |
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1897 |
Holy Trinity purchased its
first rectory located on East Market Street. |
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1907 |
The vestry sold the first rectory and
purchased the present rectory located on the corner lot
adjoining the church property |
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1927 |
A parish house was built in 1927 which included a
fellowship hall, stage, sacristy, classroom, and choir room. |
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1956
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The Accomack Cure was divided into two cures.
Holy Trinity became part of the Holy Trinity-Emmanuel
Jenkins Bridge Cure. |
| 1957 |
Holy Trinity
continued to grow. A kitchen and nursery were added. |
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1960 |
A house adjoining the church property to
the west was purchased. This provided additional
Sunday School classrooms. |
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1966
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The parish house was enlarged to include
an expanded kitchen, several classrooms, rector’s study,
and church office. The house to the west was torn
down, providing room for a parking lot. |
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1976
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On April 18,
1976 a resolution was
adopted, requesting that independent parish status be granted to Holy Trinity.
On May 17, 1976 independent status was granted to Holy Trinity, and
this step forward was regarded as a milestone for the congregation. |
