TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH - PARISH PROFILE WETUMPKA ALABAMA
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TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
WETUMPKA ALABAMA
2021
PARISH
PROFILE
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH | PARISH PROFILE 2021
Parish Profile 2021
Introduction.................................................3
Church History.............................................4
Community............................................... 5-6
Liturgical Style............................................. 7
Activities.......................................................8
Parish Survey results..................................9
Church Business......................................... 10
Where we Shine:
Challenges and Opportunities....................11
What we are looking for in a priest..........11
Message from the Vestry.......................... 12
www.trinitywetumpka.org 2
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH | PARISH PROFILE 2021
INTRODUCTION
When asked to come up with words that describe our Trinity family,
the following words were offered:
HOME SOLEMNITY BEAUTY
TRADITION SPIRIT-FILLED OUTREACH LAUGH
FRIENDLY WELCOMING RELAXED
ACCEPTING PEACEFUL TEACHING
THINKERS SMILE COMMUNITY
MUSIC WORSHIP LOCATION
FEELS LIKE FAMILY
KINDRED SPIRITS
LOVE
MISSION STATEMENT
Trust in the Lord
and Do Good
Our mission is taken from Psalms 37:3 and is
straightforward and simply stated. Originally
used as a Stewardship Theme, the Vestry ad-
opted this mission statement for the church.
www.trinitywetumpka.org 3
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH | PARISH PROFILE 2021
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
In 1947, a small group convened for the purpose
of establishing a new Episcopal church. An
Episcopal parish had not existed in Wetumpka
for nearly one hundred years. The first church
among eight original Episcopal churches in
Alabama, was organized in 1837, but it was
disbanded in 1850. Only six families, a total of
13 individuals, were represented at the 1947
meeting. From this small beginning, a lively 1996 Church Building
parish grew.
By the late 1960’s, the small parish had In 1996, an educational building was added,
outgrown its original home on Austin Lane. Dr. providing office space, a chapel, an improved
J.E. (Beau) Dunn and his wife, Ebba, bought a kitchen, a library, and Sunday School rooms,
soon to be demolished cotton warehouse and, all with handicap access.
with the help of the parish, had it transported
By 2005, we had once again outgrown
to its current location and converted into a
our space, so a building committee was
beautiful worship space. Our Trinity Hall is
organized, and a capital campaign followed.
situated on property donated by the Crommelin
Ground was broken on October 12, 2008, for
family and sits today on land once owned by a
a new worship space. A beautiful building
wealthy Creek planter, Alexander McGillivary.
providing seating for 300 with a restored
organ and stained-glass windows and
architectural features from both previous
buildings was dedicated on October 31, 2009.
The beautiful worship space we previously
used is currently the Parish Hall, appropriately
named Trinity Hall.
From 13 dedicated founding parishioners
in 1947, the Trinity parish has grown into a
vibrant community with approximately 150
members. Our prayer is that the church
family will, with God’s blessings, continue to
grow and provide a place for God’s people to
gather, worship, pray, and learn.
Transported Worship Place
Updated Building Sanctuary
www.trinitywetumpka.org 4
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH | PARISH PROFILE 2021
COMMUNITY
Welcome to Wetumpka!
Early Alabama maps described the Wetumpka side, with the current Bibb Graves bridge
area as “structurally disturbed”. That was built in 1931. The distinctive and stunning
the common wisdom until Alabama geologist concrete arch bridge is a symbol for the city
Tony Neatherly made a startling observation of Wetumpka. The river itself is the source of
in 1972. The earth in the hills is turned upside beauty, entertainment and recreation and the
down. We now know that this geological bowl focus of numerous festivals, e.g., Christmas
is a meteor crater formed 80-83 million years on the Coosa, Coosa Palooza Brew Fest, Coosa
ago when a meteorite literally struck Alabama. Whitewater Festival, River and Blues Music
Geologists today estimate that the meteor was Festival, among others, as well as frequent art
1000 feet in diameter and would completely and market days. People are often amazed to
fill a structure the size of Auburn University’s learn that Popeye the Sailor Man, was born on
Jordan-Hare Stadium. https://alabama.travel/ the Coosa.
places-to-go/wetumpka-impact-crater
The Creek Indians are a big part of
The crater is often compared to Wetumpka’s history. They gave
a giant tossed salad in which permission to the U.S. government
ancient layers of rock are to use and improve the Indian
tossed with newer rocks Trail through Alabama in
and soil. The bowl is about 1790. That trail became
five miles across and the Federal Road, bringing
is considered the best settlers into central
-preserved marine impact Alabama. The settlers
crater on earth. The encroached on Indian land,
western crater remnants tensions grew into the
jut out of the Coosa near Creek Indian War and the
downtown Wetumpka, Creeks were defeated by
creating the rapids that gave Andrew Jackson’s troops
the city its name, which is in 1814. 1n 1984 the Poarch
Creek for “rumbling waters”. Iconic Bibb Graves Bridge Creek Indians gained official
tribal recognition. Today they
In the early 1800s, folks gathered own and operate the Wind Creek
on the banks of the Coosa River to Casino, Hotel and Spa, far and away
watch the riverboats dock in Wetumpka. the tallest building and the largest
The rapids upriver made it impossible to private employer in Wetumpka.
navigate further, so the boats that plied the
river between Wetumpka and Mobile carried Located in the Appalachian foothills and
cotton from farms and plantations miles centered by the shoals of the Coosa River,
away and brought goods from around the Wetumpka is “The City of Natural Beauty”.
world. This lively commerce led a New York The city grew from an agricultural base but
newspaper to report in 1836, “Wetumpka, is now more residential and service oriented.
Alabama and Chicago, Illinois, are the most Wetumpka (population 8,240) is the county seat
promising two cities of the West.” Wetumpka of Elmore County (population 81,209), among
was a contender for state capitol, but the City the fastest growing counties in Alabama.
of Montgomery, 15 miles southwest, won out https://www.cityofwetumpka.com/
and remains the seat of state government.
https://wetumpkachamber.org/ Located 15 miles from Montgomery, Alabama’s
capital city, Wetumpka offers small town
Many bridges across the Coosa have joined the living in a metropolitan area. Local shops and
commercial east side and the west residential services complement the national retailers
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TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH | PARISH PROFILE 2021
located in Montgomery. I-65 and I-85 are close, ELMORE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
and heavily travelled U.S. Highway 231 passes The Elmore County Board of Education
directly in front of Trinity, accommodating operates 18 schools, enrolling approximately
more than 40,000 cars daily. The beautiful 13,000 students in 2021. All are accredited
gulf coast is four hours away, and the larger by the Alabama State Department of
cities of Birmingham (90 miles) and Atlanta Education and the Southern Association of
(160 miles) are easily accessible. Central Colleges and Schools. Wetumpka has two
Alabama offers mild winters, warm summers, elementary schools, one middle school,
and lingering spring and fall seasons, with an a high school, and a technical center. A
average temperature of 64 degrees. Nearby second middle school is under construction
lakes and rivers provide gracious year-round with operation set for the 2022 school year.
living and recreation. Lake Jordan, a 4,900-acre Several private schools also serve the area.
lake located 10 minutes from Wetumpka is a https://www.elmoreco.com
fisherman’s paradise and home to many Trinity https://knowthecommunity.com/education/
parishioners. Lake Martin, among the world’s private-schools/
largest man-made lakes, is 20 minutes away,
also home to Trinity parishioners.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Wetumpka has abundant natural and
In 2016 Wetumpka was designated
cultural assets. Kayaking, fishing, cycling,
a Main Street community. https://
trail running, and bird watching are popular.
mainstreetwetumpka.org/ A vibrant Main
There is a robust art community, a thriving
Street program and an active Chamber
community theater, rich history and a
of Commerce, as well as numerous other
downtown sparkling with new and diverse
organizations assure that there is always
businesses and special events. Most recently
something happening in downtown Wetumpka.
a state of the art sports complex has opened
As an independent, nonprofit organization,
with football, baseball and soccer fields
Main Street’s mission is revitalization of the
in addition to archery range and batting
downtown business district through a proven
cages. Numerous tournaments take place
four-point approach. Main Street’s goal is
there (most recently a rodeo) and out of
preserving the historic and architectural
town visitors take advantage of a full service
integrity of downtown while encouraging new
campground across the highway which sits
businesses. As Wetumpka started to flourish
on the edge of the river.
and grow, a devastating tornado hit both
For more details about the Wetumpka area,
sides of the river in January 2019. This EF-2
check out the latest Visitor’s Guide.
tornado destroyed the police station, Senior
https://mainstreetwetumpka.org/new-page-1
Center, the Samuel Chester Boy Scout’s Lodge
and the historic Presbyterian Church, built in
1836. Miraculously, there were no deaths, and
within 18 months the Presbyterian Church was
restored as a beloved landmark.
In 2020, Wetumpka was selected by strenuous
competition for a major facelift by HGTV’s
Home Town Takeover. Work and filming of the
multiple renovation and restoration projects
(six residential, six commercial buildings, plus
several public spaces) were completed in early
2021. The six episodes revealing Wetumpka’s
makeover started May 2, 2021, with increased
tourism and excitement anticipated.
https://www.hgtv.com/shows/home-town-
takeover/articles/home-town-takeover-release
www.trinitywetumpka.org 6
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH | PARISH PROFILE 2021
SERVICES AND LITURGICAL STYLE AT TRINITY
Trinity Episcopal Church can be categorized as a traditional broad church. It is predominantly traditional in
its style of service, music, and vestments. On occasion, however, music is provided by an acoustic praise
band playing selections from the Diocesan Cursillo song books.
Trinity uses Rite II for its 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services. During Lent and other special
occasions Rite I, Eucharistic Prayer I is used. LEMs, acolytes, and lay readers all participate in these
services. These services are also live streamed on Trinity’s Facebook page.
Weekly services offered in the past have included a Wednesday Noon Rite II Eucharist in the chapel (a
sermon focused on that day’s Saint), and virtual daily offices, as a development of the Covid pandemic.
Each year Trinity worships outdoors with a “Mass in the Grass”. This service is more casual in dress and
music and uses Rite II. A parish picnic follows the service. There is also a Youth Sunday service in which
the EYC assumes leadership roles for the day. For the past 10 years on Veterans’ Day, Trinity has hosted a
Veterans’ Day Memorial Concert and service.
Trinity is well known for the summer lake service at Lake Jordan. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day
we arrange for services from all different denominations as an outreach to others in our community. It is
very well attended by car and by boat!
Youth Sunday Mass in the Grass
www.trinitywetumpka.org 7
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH | PARISH PROFILE 2021
ACTIVITIES
Internal Programs
Altar Guild
Christian Formation
Vacation Bible School
EYC
Choir
Flower Guild
Mother’s Day Supper
Father’s Day Supper
Cursillo
Suppers
Kairos
Shrove Tuesday
Pancake Supper
Bread Ministry
Amber’s Blessing Box
Community Programs
Tribute to Veteran’s Musical
Loaves and Fishes Soup Supper
Amber’s Blessing Box
Bread Ministry
Cub Scouts
The Gathering Place Respite Care
Blessing of the Animals
Tribute to Veteran’s Musical
Lake Services on Lake Jordan
Free meeting space for community groups
e.g., Art Clubs, Friends of Ft. Toulouse etc.
Participation in Community Events
e.g., Christmas on the Coosa, Community
Thanksgiving Services Cub Scouts
www.trinitywetumpka.org 8
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH | PARISH PROFILE 2021
PARISH SURVEY RESULTS
With approximately 150 members, Trinity received 72 responses to the Parish Survey. This response is
evidence of the Parish’s interest and involvement in the current and future health of Trinity, Wetumpka.
DEMOGRAPHICS OF TRINITY MEMBERS
Of the respondents, 82% of Trinity’s survey 47% of respondents to the survey have
membership came to the Episcopal church children living at home; here is a
from other denominational backgrounds. breakdown of the children’s ages.
DENOMINATIONAL BACKGROUND AGES OF CHILDREN LIVING AT HOME
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TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH | PARISH PROFILE 2021
CHURCH BUSINESS
OUR FINANCES
For several years Trinity’s operating income has been more than $200,000 per year. This money has
come from pledges, non-pledge donations, and income from church-owned rental property. Although
the number of pledges and other gifts is not as large as we would like, those who contribute do so
generously.
We have excellent facilities, including YEARLY INCOME
a new church building, completed
about twelve years ago. As with most
worthwhile endeavors, however, the
new addition came with a large price.
We currently owe $385,000 on the new
addition.
To fully understand our financial
situation, it is necessary to look at
the church-owned real estate. We
own three rental houses adjacent
to our property. In addition to
providing protection from encroaching
development they provided space for
possible expansion and they have proved
to be an excellent investment.
The vestry has adopted a plan which will
BAPTISMS AND CONFIRMATIONS
eliminate the need to make mortgage payments
from the operating budget. Phase 1 is to pay the
debt on the rental property in full to pay the debt
from our investments and accumulated cash. We
plan to restructure the mortgage on the church
to lower the payments to an amount which
can be covered by the rental property income.
We will still have the mortgage, but we will no
longer have to fund it from the general fund.
This will result in a net reduction in operating
expenses of about $2000 per month. Phase 2 is
to evaluate the rental properties in relation to
AVERAGE SERVICE ATTENDANCE
how they best can support our future.
The finance committee, along with the Treasurer
and Vestry, are continuously working on our
financial planning to consider options for the
betterment of our financial standing. We believe
that our financial plan, together with anticipated
growth, will allow us to fund all necessary
expenses and will increase our ability to fulfill our
mission as a church. In short, we believe that
our financial situation is good and will improve.
www.trinitywetumpka.org 10TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH | PARISH PROFILE 2021
OUR CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
WHERE WE SHINE WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The overall conclusions from the survey of IN A PRIEST
things we do well are:
Encouragement of attendance with church Trinity wants a priest that will bring out
events, i.e., weekly services, Sunday School, the best in them and conversely we will
EYC’s Sunday Compline, Holy Week, VBS, bring the best out of the priest. We want
and Cursillo. to grow together.
Fellowship
Feeling of Family
Hospitality
Community Outreach
CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
From the Parish survey, we are embracing the challenges and opportunities that were mentioned.
Some key themes include:
Training and Coordination for “in reach” or Pastoral Care and re-engagement of inactive parish members
Rebuilding Community/Family feel after Pandemic lethargy.
Engagement, Involvement, and Inclusion across all age groups
Renewed Focus on Being and Making Disciples with expansion of volunteer base.
Confirmation 2020 Summer Lake Service on Lake Jordan Playground in memory of one of our founders
www.trinitywetumpka.org 11TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH | PARISH PROFILE 2021 A NOTE FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN My wife, Adelia, and I spent most of our adult life at a large program church. Our children were baptized and confirmed there, and they were formed as Christians in Sunday School and EYC and at Camp McDowell. Our whole family was active there, and we will always love that place. When we moved to the Wetumpka area we changed our membership to Trinity, a much smaller place with far fewer resources and a bare bones budget. Nevertheless, we have come to love it as much, or even more, than our old church. The people are warm and welcoming. The services are inspiring and the music is uplifting. The physical facilities are outstanding for a parish our size and the opportunity for growth is limitless. The community is growing, with outstanding public schools, and with great recreational, entertainment and cultural activities. There is a problem, however. For several years Trinity’s growth has been stagnant. Many would say it is simply a sign of the times. Many parishes in small towns have the same problem. Some think that perhaps we should just accept our fate and continue to enjoy our fellowship and worship together. To me, however, that is not acceptable, and I believe that many, including our entire vestry, agree with me. The interim period has provided a time for reflection and analysis. Many of us now believe that we have become complacent and self-satisfied. In some ways we have operated as a club and not as an active parish doing God’s work. The good news is that we have been blessed to have Rusty Goldsmith as our Interim Rector. He has challenged us and is helping us to see what we do well, what we need to improve upon, and what we need to change or eliminate entirely. At a recent vestry retreat Rusty provided much needed insight about the proper role of a vestry and then led an enthusiastic discussion about things which can be done better, and about totally new things we can do. We are already starting to implement some of the ideas from the retreat. We are working on a new and more meaningful mission statement. We are forming a new stewardship committee which will work on the premise that stewardship is a year-round activity and not just a frantic effort to get all pledge cards in by the end of the year. We have begun working on new By Laws and a policy and procedures manual. Other ideas are being explored, especially regarding outreach and church growth. In summary, I believe that Trinity is a good parish which can become a much better parish. We are committed to making the necessary changes which will enable us to truly be disciples of Christ and to do God’s work in the world. WAYNE TURNER www.trinitywetumpka.org 12
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