Discover America's Hidden Gems

19 May 2012

PRESS RELEASE: "Trinity Episcopal Church Invites Public for Special History Tour on May 19"

Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Asheville invites the public to experience its 160 years' legacy of rich history and art during a lecture-tour presented in collaboration with the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County on Saturday, May 19, at 2pm, at 60 Church Street.

“Trinity’s history reflects the growth of Asheville from the Civil War era through today,” says parish historian Joe Alexander. “Our current church, rebuilt from the ruins of a devastating fire in 1910, preserves our pioneers’ commitment to the Gothic Revival style of architecture and displays the last handiwork of Mary Tillinghast, the country’s first independent female stained-glass artist.”

This special event to "open the doors" of Trinity's unique history (including its iconic art, architecture, woodcarvings, 3 Manual Austin Organ demonstration, Mary Tillinghast stained glass windows, needle point, and other sacred embellishments) is planned as part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s celebration of National Preservation Month, “Discover America’s Hidden Gems.”

"As an event of our Education Program, the Preservation Society is excited to facilitate the telling of the history of Trinity for our members, their guests and the general public during National Preservation Month," Asheville Preservation Society President, Jack Thomson, said. "Our mission is to preserve and promote the unique historic resources of our region. This partnership with Trinity Episcopal is a perfect way to fulfill our mission while creating new partnerships during an exciting time of growth for the Preservation Society."

The legacy of this historic Asheville church (http://www.trinityasheville.org/) has recently been compiled by members of the congregation in an award-winning book, "An Illustrated History: Trinity Episcopal Church, 1849-2011, Asheville, North Carolina, Diocese of Western North Carolina: Featuring a Narrated Photographic Gallery of Trinity's Iconic Art and Architecture." Copies of the award-winning book will be available for purchase at the May 19th event.

The Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County is working in its 36th year to sustain the heritage and sense of place that is Asheville & Buncombe County. To learn more and consider supporting this effort, please visit www.psabc.org.