Alexandria Fixture Has Reached Milestone with Faith and Fortitude
- It pre-dates the United States and has built a centuries-long legacy of community service and social justice.
- Through ups and downs and multiple locations, Alexandria’s first Methodist church has survived and thrived.
- Trinity United Methodist Church of Alexandria, Virginia is excited to honor, celebrate, and commemorate its 250th birthday in 2024.
Unified by the theme, “250 Years of Looking Upward and Pushing Forward!,” months of commemorative activities will culminate in the Homecoming Weekend of November 15-17. Activities throughout the year will include:
- 250 Acts of Mission
- History lectures, tours, and display of historic artifacts
- Trinity cemetery tours, located at the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
- Anniversary-themed sermon series and worship services
- Collection of oral histories from pastors, members, and staff – past and present
“Trinity has faithfully served our congregation and community for over 250 years–through ups and towns, good times as well as lean times–and we are committed to continuing that good work. As we prepare to celebrate our 250th anniversary, we not only celebrate our past but look forward to a future with hope!” said Grace Han, Lead Pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church.
The first Methodist Church in Alexandria, Trinity was founded in 1774 by teenager William Duke and a small band of followers. Committed to charity and community service from its beginning, the church has long supported programs for those in need in our backyard and around the globe. Starting in the 18th century, congregants included Black and white persons from all stations of society. Trinity came out strongly against slavery and, more recently, became a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network of the United Methodist Church, honoring and accepting LGBTQ+ people throughout its life and leadership.
The church was located in Old Town for most of its history at two locations: Chapel Alley (the present-day Basilica of St. Mary) and South Washington Street (the present-day Hotel Heron). In 1947, at the urging of a small but faith-filled congregation, the church moved brick by brick to its current location, 2911 Cameron Mills Road in Alexandria’s Beverley Hills neighborhood.
Liz Williams, Chair of the 250th Anniversary Committee, said, “We are extremely excited to share our history for this semiquincentennial! The church’s story is Alexandria’s story and the nation’s story. The congregation today is not so different from those generations ago as we consider our 250 years of doing good work. We look forward to using this time of celebration and commemoration to propel us into another fruitful 250 years!”
To Learn More:
TrinityAlexandria.org
TrinityAlexandria.org/250th-anniversary
Contact: Melanie Modlin, [email protected]
Finding Trinity United Methodist Church:
2911 Cameron Mills Road
Alexandria, VA 22302
703.549.5500