In the summer of 1837, Missionary Bishop Jackson Kemper visited Mineral Point to conduct services of the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Richard Cadle, missionary priest from the Green Bay area, visited over the next few years to conduct services for the Episcopalians present along with others in the community.
Trinity Episcopal Parish was organized December 8, 1839. Among its first Vestrymen were many who featured prominently in early Wisconsin history: Moses Strong (first president of the State Bar Association of Wisconsin); William Hamilton (son of Alexander Hamilton); and Henry Dodge (first governor of the Wisconsin Territory). Meeting for prayers led by lay persons, and the occasional visiting priest, a building was erected for worship in 1845 at a cost of $5,000. When the church building was debt-free, a requirement of Episcopal Canon law, Bishop Kemper consecrated it on January 19, 1855.
The Trinity Church building is considered a gem of Gothic revival architecture. It is believed this church building is the oldest one in Wisconsin to be in continuous use. Handmade pews were installed in 1851, and the present altar and credence table, both made of native walnut, were installed in 1865. The eagle lectern, hand-carved from a single piece of oak, was installed in 1914.
Watch videos from the Diocese of Milwaukee’s 175th Anniversary series about Trinity’s archive and other compelling stories.
Trinity’s windows are among its treasures. The trifoil Trinity window above the altar may be the oldest stained glass window in Wisconsin. Along with the other “picture windows,” it is a memorial to parishioners who played a prominent role in the early life of the church. Two of these—the Mary and Martha and St. Cecilia windows—are by Louis Comfort Tiffany Studios. The geometric windows are Belgian glass and were installed in 1859.
Some of church members’ families have been parishioners for generations. There are also newcomers! The strength of community is reflected over an over again in the church’s archives. Trinity is today what it has always been—a vibrant community of believers.
Trinity Episcopal Church, Mineral Point 