The Campus & Ministries of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Overview and History
The campus of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is a beautiful and dynamic space that reflects the parish’s rich history, vibrant community, and commitment to ministry. From the sacred spaces of the Nave, Narthex, and Memorial Garden to the welcoming gathering areas of the Parish Hall, Trinity House, and Education Wing, the campus is a place where faith, fellowship, and service come alive. Each building and garden serves a unique purpose, contributing to Holy Trinity’s mission to love and serve God and neighbor.
The campus has grown and evolved over the decades, with spaces that honor the legacy of parishioners who helped build and sustain Holy Trinity, while also meeting the needs of its current ministries. Together, these spaces support worship, formation, outreach, and community engagement, offering countless ways for parishioners to connect with God, one another, and the broader Fayetteville community.
Opportunities to Engage in Ministry
Vestry
History and Role: The Vestry is the elected governing body of the parish, a tradition rooted in Anglican and Episcopal history. Established as a lay leadership structure, vestries were originally responsible for managing parish finances, maintaining church property, and representing the congregation’s interests. Today, the vestry continues this tradition, working collaboratively with the rector to oversee the church’s mission, vision, and resources.
Responsibilities: Members of the vestry meet regularly to make decisions about the church’s operations, stewardship, and programs. They also serve as liaisons to committees and ministries, ensuring all areas of church life are supported.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Serve as a vestry member, contributing leadership and vision to Holy Trinity’s future.
Attend vestry meetings as an observer to learn more about parish governance and discern a call to this ministry.
Buildings & Grounds Committee
Overview: The Buildings & Grounds Committee is responsible for the care and maintenance of Holy Trinity’s campus, ensuring that all facilities and outdoor spaces are safe, functional, and beautiful. From routine repairs to major renovations, this committee plays a vital role in stewarding the parish’s physical resources.
Responsibilities: Members coordinate repairs, landscaping, and improvements, often working alongside volunteers to maintain the campus.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Participate in workdays to maintain the gardens, clean spaces, or make repairs.
Offer specialized skills such as carpentry, electrical work, or painting.
Serve as a member of the committee to help plan and prioritize campus projects.
Finance Committee
Overview: The Finance Committee oversees the financial health of Holy Trinity, providing stewardship of parish resources and ensuring the sustainability of its ministries. This committee works closely with the vestry to prepare budgets, monitor expenses, and plan for the future.
Responsibilities: Members review financial reports, advise on fundraising and stewardship campaigns, and provide transparency and accountability in the management of church funds.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Serve on the Finance Committee, using your financial expertise to support the church’s mission.
Assist with fundraising or stewardship campaigns to ensure the church’s financial vitality.
Offer skills in bookkeeping or accounting to support financial operations.
Be-Longing, Dreamers, & More
Overview: We have a number of committees that engage in the life of worship, community, and our common story. These committees have open membership and are a great way to step into service in ways that suit your strengths and interests.
Responsibilities: Occasional meetings as scheduled, plus special events determined by committees in consultation with clergy and vestry.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Serve on the Be-Longing Committee for work with special liturgies, fellowship events, and arts throughout the parish.
Serve on the Dreamers committee for events and relationship building with an eye to all we can be as a community.
A Place for Worship, Service, and Growth
The campus of Holy Trinity is a living expression of the parish’s faith and commitment to community. From maintaining sacred spaces to ensuring the financial sustainability of the church, opportunities for ministry abound for those called to serve.
By joining the Vestry, Buildings & Grounds Committee, or Finance Committee, parishioners can play a key role in sustaining Holy Trinity’s legacy and preparing for its future. Whether through leadership, stewardship, or hands-on care, the campus invites all to participate in building a stronger and more faithful community.
The Narthex
History/Traditions
In the Episcopal tradition, the narthex serves as a welcoming space, a threshold between the secular and the sacred. Historically, narthexes have been places of transition, offering a moment for quiet reflection or preparation before entering the Nave for worship. They symbolize a liminal space—a meeting point for the faithful, visitors, and seekers as they prepare to encounter God’s presence in the liturgy. At Holy Trinity, the narthex’s role is both practical and symbolic, bridging the community and the sacred act of worship.
Holy Trinity’s narthex features large, ornate, wooden doors that separate it from the Nave. These beautifully crafted doors serve as a powerful symbol of entering into sacred space, inviting all who pass through them to leave behind the busyness of daily life and step into the presence of God.
Current Ministries Tied to the Narthex
Greeters Program: Greeters stationed in the narthex extend a warm welcome to visitors and parishioners alike, offering connection cards, answering questions, and ensuring everyone feels at home. This ministry is a vital first point of contact for newcomers and a meaningful way for members to serve.
Ushers Program: Ushers assist in distributing bulletins, guiding congregants to their seats, and helping with the flow of worship services. They also provide assistance during the offertory and communion, ensuring the service proceeds smoothly.
Gathering Space: The narthex is a hub of community engagement, where parishioners and visitors gather before and after services for fellowship, coffee hour, or to learn about upcoming events and ministries.
The narthex at Holy Trinity embodies the church’s commitment to hospitality and community, serving as a sacred threshold that welcomes all into the life of the parish.
The Nave
History/Traditions
In the Episcopal tradition, the Nave is the central worship space, where the gathered community comes together to encounter God in Word and Sacrament. The term “nave” originates from the Latin word navis, meaning “ship,” symbolizing the church as a vessel carrying the faithful through the journey of life. Historically, the nave has been a place of communal worship, where the people of God assemble to sing, pray, and partake in the Eucharist. It is the heart of liturgical life in the church, a sacred space where heaven and earth meet.
At Holy Trinity, the Nave embodies both tradition and modernity. It features a large labyrinth in the center of the floor, inviting contemplative prayer and spiritual exploration. The seating is intentionally flexible, with movable wooden chairs and prayer kneelers that allow the space to be adapted for various worship styles, liturgical seasons, and special events.
The large white baptismal font at the entry to the Nave signifies the sacrament of baptism, the initiation into Christ’s body and the community of faith. This prominent placement reminds all who enter that their journey begins and is sustained in the waters of baptism.
Current Ministries Tied to the Nave
The Nave is home to Holy Trinity’s main worship services, supported by various lay and clergy ministries that enrich and sustain the liturgical life of the congregation. Opportunities for involvement include:
Lay Readers: Proclaim scripture readings and lead prayers during worship.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs): Assist clergy with administering the Eucharist during services.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEVs): Bring the sacrament of communion to those who are homebound or hospitalized.
Clergy: Lead worship, preach, and administer sacraments in the sacred liturgy.
Acolytes: Serve at the altar, assisting clergy with processions, carrying the cross, lighting candles, and preparing the table for Eucharist.
Transepts and Chancel
The Nave at Holy Trinity is flanked by short arms known as transepts, which provide additional seating and space for other activities, creating a dynamic and adaptable worship environment.
At the head of the Nave is the Chancel, the area surrounding the altar, which serves as a focal point for worship. The Chancel is flanked by the Sacristy, where clergy and altar guild prepare for services, and the Sound Room, which supports the church’s audio-visual needs, including live-streaming and recordings.
Features and Liturgical Basics
The Nave at Holy Trinity is a deeply versatile space, equipped with:
Movable Wooden Chairs and Prayer Kneelers: Offering flexibility for different worship configurations while maintaining reverence and comfort for prayer.
The Altar: The central focus of the liturgy, where the bread and wine are consecrated during the Eucharist.
Pulpit: Elevated podium where Scripture is read and where sermons may be delivered. At Holy Trinity, preachers frequently step out of the pulpit for sermons.
Credence Table: Holds the bread, wine, and vessels used in the Eucharistic celebration.
Prie-Dieu (Prayer Desk): Used for personal or communal prayer.
Votive Prayer Candles: An invitation for parishioners to light candles as a symbol of prayer and intercession.
A Space for Worship and Community
Holy Trinity’s flexible Nave is not only a sacred space for worship but also a hub for community engagement. Its design accommodates a wide range of events, from Cumberland Choral Arts concerts to Sweet Tea Shakespeare plays, recitals, and arts series. The Nave serves as a vital gathering place for artistic expression, cultural enrichment, and community connection, embodying Holy Trinity’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive parish life.
The liturgical life of the Nave, shaped by Episcopal traditions and enhanced by its versatile design, makes it a sacred space where worship, community, and creativity come together in harmony.
The Sacristy
History/Traditions
In the Episcopal tradition, the sacristy is a dedicated space where the sacred vessels, vestments, and liturgical items are prepared for worship. Historically, sacristies have served as practical yet sacred workspaces, where the clergy and altar guild ensure that everything needed for the liturgy is reverently organized and ready. These spaces are often located near the chancel for easy access during services and are considered the behind-the-scenes heart of the church’s worship preparation.
At Holy Trinity, the sacristy carries forward this tradition as a place of quiet service and reverence, where the preparations for encountering God in worship are lovingly made.
Current Ministries Tied to the Sacristy
The sacristy at Holy Trinity is where the Altar Guild and clergy collaborate to prepare for each service. Key activities include:
Eucharist Preparation: Members of the Altar Guild carefully arrange the communion bread, wine, and vessels used during the Eucharist. This includes filling cruets, polishing chalices, and setting the altar table.
The Aumbry: This small, sacred cabinet in the sacristy houses the reserved sacrament, which is used for pastoral visits and in services of healing or emergency communion. Its presence reminds all of Christ’s constant presence in the church.
Liturgical Colors: The sacristy is where the appropriate liturgical colors for the season or feast day are selected and prepared for display on the altar, pulpit, and banners, offering a visual reminder of the rhythm of the church year.
Seasonal Decorations: The sacristy team oversees the decoration of the worship spaces for Holy Feasts and liturgical seasons, such as Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost, ensuring the church reflects the beauty and joy of each celebration.
Opportunities to get involved in the sacristy include:
Altar Guild: Join this vital ministry to help prepare the sacred space for worship, from arranging communion elements to changing liturgical banners.
Bread Baking Ministry: This unique ministry began in earnest in 1991 and features a recipe that is exclusive to Holy Trinity. Volunteers bake communion bread, blending tradition and care to create a tangible offering of love for the Eucharist.
Flower Guild: The Flower Guild provides fresh flowers for worship and special events, creating beautiful arrangements that enhance the sacredness of the worship space. This ministry is a wonderful way to share creativity and contribute to the parish’s liturgical life.
Offerings as Gifts to God
Each week, the offering plates are passed through the sacristy as part of the preparation for worship. These contributions represent the gifts of the congregation, sustaining the church’s mission and ministries. Along with the bread and wine, these offerings are returned to God as symbols of gratitude and commitment.
A Place of Preparation and Service
The sacristy is not only a practical space but also a spiritual one, where acts of preparation become acts of worship. Whether setting the table for the Eucharist, baking bread, arranging flowers, or organizing liturgical banners, the sacristy team’s quiet work helps create an environment where the whole community can encounter the sacred. Through ministries like the Altar Guild, bread baking, and the Flower Guild, Holy Trinity invites everyone to contribute to this vital and holy work.
Sound/Streaming Room
History/Traditions
The Sound/Streaming Room at Holy Trinity is a modern addition to the church’s ministry infrastructure, serving as the technological hub for enhancing worship and community engagement. While the space itself is a relatively new development in the life of the church, it reflects an important tradition of adapting to new tools to share the Gospel and connect with the broader community.
Current Ministries Tied to the Sound/Streaming Room
The Sound/Streaming Room is integral to the church’s worship and outreach efforts, offering opportunities to serve in the following ways:
Live Streaming Ministry: This ministry ensures that Sunday services and other special liturgies are streamed live to social media platforms, allowing those unable to attend in person to remain connected to the parish community. Volunteers operate cameras, switch between views, and manage the live stream feed.
Audio Support Ministry: Volunteers monitor and manage sound amplification during services and events, ensuring that clergy, musicians, and lay leaders are heard clearly throughout the Nave and beyond.
Event Support Ministry: The Sound/Streaming Room also supports community events such as concerts, plays, and recitals. Volunteers assist with setting up and managing audio-visual equipment for groups like Cumberland Choral Arts and Sweet Tea Shakespeare, expanding Holy Trinity’s impact as a cultural and spiritual hub.
The room also houses storage for the Altar Guild, providing a centralized location for organizing liturgical items, enhancing the efficiency of worship preparation.
Live Streaming at Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity streams most Sunday services and special events to platforms like Facebook and YouTube. This ministry extends the church’s reach beyond its physical walls, connecting with parishioners, seekers, and community members near and far. It ensures that the Holy Trinity community remains inclusive and accessible, especially for those who are homebound, traveling, or exploring the church for the first time.
A Space for Connection and Service
The Sound/Streaming Room embodies the church’s commitment to integrating tradition with innovation. Through live streaming, sound amplification, and event support, this space enables Holy Trinity to amplify its message of faith, inclusion, and service to a global audience. It also offers meaningful opportunities for parishioners to engage in ministry by contributing their technical skills or learning new ones.
Whether managing the soundboard, operating cameras, or ensuring smooth broadcasts, the work done in the Sound/Streaming Room supports Holy Trinity’s mission to share the love of Christ with the world.
The Vesting Room
History/Traditions
The Vesting Room at Holy Trinity is a space of preparation and anticipation, where clergy, acolytes, and other liturgical ministers robe themselves in sacred vestments before participating in worship. Rooted in centuries of liturgical tradition, vestments serve as visual symbols of the sacred roles and responsibilities carried out during services, reminding both wearers and congregants of the beauty and order of Episcopal worship.
Holy Trinity is blessed by the legacy of Katherine Whaley, a long-time parishioner who designed and crafted Eucharistic vestments for countless Episcopal and Catholic priests. Her dedication to this sacred art reflects the creativity and care that go into every detail of our worship.
Liturgical Vestments
The vestments stored and maintained in the Vesting Room include:
Cassocks: Long black robes worn by clergy, acolytes, and vergers.
Albs: White garments symbolizing purity, worn over the cassock.
Surplices: Wide-sleeved, white overgarments worn by some lay ministers.
Cinctures: Sashes or cords tied around the waist to secure the alb.
Eucharistic Vestments: Including chasubles (worn by priests), dalmatics (worn by deacons), and stoles, which denote the role of the wearer in the liturgy.
Holy Trinity’s Liturgical Flag: Often waved high in the air during processions, particularly on feast days, as a joyful and symbolic addition to our worship.
The Acolyte Program and Roles
The Vesting Room is also the hub for Holy Trinity’s Acolyte Program, which invites children, youth, and adults to serve in various roles during worship, including:
Verger: Guides processions and ensures the smooth flow of the liturgy.
Crucifer: Carries the processional cross at the head of processions.
Torch Bearers: Carry lighted torches, symbolizing the light of Christ.
Gospel Bearer: Holds the Gospel Book high for the proclamation of scripture.
Other Roles: Depending on the liturgy, additional roles may include banner bearers or assistants with incense and holy water.
Training for these roles is simple and accessible, and Holy Trinity welcomes anyone interested in serving. While the church typically has a small, dedicated team of acolytes, there is always room to expand, particularly for special feast days when processions can be larger and more celebratory.
Opportunities for Ministry
The Vesting Room is also a place where the practical work of maintaining and enhancing our worship happens. Ministry opportunities include:
Serving as an Acolyte: Crucifers, torch bearers, gospel bearers, and vergers are integral to the liturgy and offer a meaningful way to serve.
Vestment Care and Creation: Volunteers help with sewing, repairing, cleaning, inventorying, and maintaining liturgical vestments, ensuring they remain in excellent condition.
Feast Day Processions: Assist with organizing and participating in expanded processions, including the use of the liturgical flag.
A Space of Sacred Preparation
The Vesting Room is not just a practical space; it is a sacred one, where the transition from the ordinary to the extraordinary occurs. Whether donning a cassock, adjusting a cincture, or raising the liturgical flag, those who serve from the Vesting Room help create the reverent and joyful worship for which Holy Trinity is known.
This space invites everyone to step into a sacred role, offering their gifts and presence to the glory of God and the enrichment of the parish community.
The Choir Room
History/Traditions
The Choir Room at Holy Trinity serves as the heart of the church’s vibrant music ministry, where voices and instruments come together in preparation for worship. Choirs and handbell ensembles hold a special place in the Episcopal tradition, with roots stretching back to the earliest days of Anglican worship. Music has always been integral to Episcopal liturgy, providing a means to glorify God, inspire the faithful, and unify the congregation in worship. The addition of handbells, a tradition often linked to English churches, enriches the musical tapestry with their clear, resonant tones.
Holy Trinity continues this legacy, fostering a rich musical tradition led by the choir, supported by the majestic tones of the organ, and occasionally enhanced by community artists who bring their talents to special services and events.
Episcopal Music Traditions
Episcopal worship is renowned for its robust and reverent musical tradition. Rooted in the Book of Common Prayer and the Anglican choral legacy, music in the Episcopal Church often combines classical hymnody, psalm settings, and anthems with modern expressions of sacred music. At Holy Trinity, this heritage is brought to life through the choir, organ, and handbells, which lead the congregation in worshipful song and reflection.
Current Ministries Tied to the Choir Room
The Choir Room serves as the home base for both the choir and handbell ensemble, offering opportunities for parishioners to share their musical gifts:
Choir: The choir at Holy Trinity is open to singers of all experience levels and rehearses weekly under the guidance of Dr. Jae Won Kim, Music Minister. The choir leads congregational singing, performs anthems, and enriches the liturgy with their musical offerings. Major feast days and special events often feature expanded repertoire and collaborations with community artists.
Handbell Ensemble: The handbell program provides another way to engage with music ministry, offering a unique and joyful sound to complement worship. The ensemble also rehearses weekly, and all are welcome to join, regardless of prior experience.
Both ensembles rehearse in the Choir Room, a space dedicated to cultivating the skills, discipline, and community spirit that undergird Holy Trinity’s music ministry.
Opportunities for Ministry
Join the Choir: Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just discovering your voice, the choir welcomes you to become part of this dynamic and uplifting ministry.
Join the Handbell Ensemble: Learn to ring handbells and contribute to the unique musical expression this ensemble brings to worship.
Special Collaborations: Musicians from the community and parish are invited to join the choir and handbell ensemble for feast days, concerts, and other special events.
A Space for Musical Preparation and Ministry
The Choir Room is more than a practice space; it is a place where Holy Trinity’s commitment to worship through music comes alive. It is here that choir members rehearse harmonies, handbell ringers perfect their timing, and all who serve in the music ministry prepare to lead the congregation in songs of praise and thanksgiving.
Holy Trinity’s music ministry reflects the parish’s dedication to beauty, tradition, and community, inviting all who feel called to lift their voices or ring out in joy to join in this sacred and transformative work.
The Parish Hall & Kitchen
History/Traditions
The Parish Hall at Holy Trinity is a vibrant center for parish life, serving as the primary gathering space for seasonal celebrations, special events, and communal meals. Episcopal churches have long used parish halls to foster fellowship, build community, and host outreach programs, making these spaces essential to the life of the congregation. The attached kitchen supports these activities, ensuring hospitality and nourishment remain central to Holy Trinity’s mission.
Current Ministries Tied to the Parish Hall & Kitchen
The Parish Hall is a hub for parishioners and community members alike, offering opportunities to participate in and support various ministries:
Seasonal and Special Celebrations: Events such as Advent and Christmas gatherings, Easter brunches, and All Saints' feasts bring the community together in fellowship.
Potlucks and Shared Meals: Parishioners gather for potluck dinners, fostering connection and sharing.
Hospitality Committee: This team arranges, prepares, and serves food for church events, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and nourished.
Event Setup and Teardown: Volunteers assist with arranging tables and chairs, decorating, and cleaning up after events, making it possible to host a wide variety of gatherings.
Annual Youth Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper: This beloved tradition invites youth to take the lead in preparing and serving pancakes to celebrate the beginning of Lent.
Formation in the Parish Hall
The Parish Hall frequently hosts Adult Formation Classes, which are an integral part of Holy Trinity’s commitment to spiritual growth and engagement. These classes often occur before or after worship on Sundays or at other appointed times throughout the week. Topics range from Bible studies and theology to spiritual practices and contemporary issues, offering something for everyone.
Formation is a key expectation for connected and engaged members of Holy Trinity, providing opportunities to deepen faith, build relationships, and live out the Gospel. Adult formation in the Parish Hall complements other formation opportunities for all ages, creating a holistic approach to spiritual growth.
Space Usage and Reservations
The Parish Hall and kitchen are available for reservation by parishioners for personal or family events and may also be rented by the broader community, much like other Holy Trinity spaces. This makes the Parish Hall a vital resource not only for the church but also for the Fayetteville community, accommodating a wide range of uses, from meetings and workshops to wedding receptions and celebrations of life.
A Place of Fellowship and Formation
The Parish Hall & Kitchen are more than functional spaces—they are sacred ground where relationships are nurtured, faith is deepened, and the community is strengthened. Whether gathering for a potluck, participating in a formation class, or celebrating a feast day, those who serve and participate in this space contribute to the life and mission of Holy Trinity.
Through the hospitality committee, event support, and formation opportunities, the Parish Hall offers countless ways for parishioners and community members to engage with one another, deepen their faith, and reflect God’s love in the world.
The Trinity House
History/Traditions
The Trinity House, built in 1955, has been a cornerstone of Holy Trinity’s parish campus for decades. Originally designed to house clergy, the building later served as the church’s administrative offices. In 2023-2024, the Trinity House underwent a thoughtful renovation, restoring its ability to host clergy and accommodate parish guests. This restoration reflects Holy Trinity’s ongoing commitment to hospitality and stewardship, ensuring the space continues to serve the needs of the church and its community.
Current Use and Ministries Tied to the Trinity House
The renovated Trinity House is now a welcoming space with multiple uses, including:
Clergy Housing: Providing a comfortable and convenient residence for clergy members, fostering deeper connection to parish life.
Guest Accommodations: Available for visiting clergy, speakers, and parish guests, the Trinity House extends Holy Trinity’s tradition of hospitality.
Opportunities for Ministry
The Trinity House offers numerous ways for parishioners to contribute to its upkeep and functionality:
Space Maintenance and Upkeep: Volunteers assist with cleaning, interior organization, and ensuring the space remains welcoming and functional for guests.
Yard Maintenance and Gardening: Maintaining the grounds surrounding the Trinity House, including landscaping, planting flowers, and tending to outdoor spaces, enhances its beauty and usability.
Repair Work: Skilled parishioners can contribute by addressing minor repairs and improvements as needed, ensuring the building remains in excellent condition.
Stewardship Through the Buildings & Grounds Committee: This committee oversees the care and maintenance of the Trinity House, as well as other church properties, making it an excellent way to serve the parish.
A Place of Hospitality and Stewardship
The Trinity House embodies Holy Trinity’s commitment to hospitality, offering a welcoming space for clergy and guests while providing meaningful opportunities for parishioners to serve. Its rich history and recent renovation make it a symbol of the church’s dedication to preserving and adapting its resources to meet the needs of the community.
Whether through yard maintenance, repair work, or stewardship efforts with the Buildings & Grounds Committee, the Trinity House invites all to share in the sacred task of caring for the spaces that sustain and support Holy Trinity’s mission.
The Meadows
History/Traditions
The Meadows at Holy Trinity encompass several outdoor spaces that reflect the church’s commitment to community, stewardship, and hospitality. These include the courtyard, the Community Garden (called the "Garden of Eatin'), and the Roy & Marie Parker Pergola & Fire Pit. Each space offers a unique opportunity for worship, fellowship, and service, extending the church’s mission beyond its walls into the beauty of creation.
The Garden of Eatin’, installed by a dedicated group of volunteers, Boy Scouts, and veterans, stands as a testament to Holy Trinity’s collaborative spirit and commitment to community outreach. This project was led by Stacey Buckner, a local community organizer and founder of Off-Road Outreach, a service organization dedicated to improving the lives of unhoused veterans and others in need.
The Roy & Marie Parker Pergola & Fire Pit, constructed in 2022 by Holy Trinity parishioners, honors two beloved members of the parish. Marie Parker was the first woman to serve as Senior Warden (1988–1989), while her husband, Roy Parker, Jr., was a renowned journalist and historian. This space embodies their legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to the parish and broader community.
Current Use and Ministries Tied to the Meadows
The Meadows provide space for a variety of gatherings and ministries, including:
Outdoor Gatherings: The courtyard and pergola offer beautiful settings for potlucks, coffee hours, and seasonal celebrations.
Liturgy in Nature: Liturgical services, including evening prayer or outdoor Eucharists, bring worship into the natural beauty of the Meadows.
Fireside Formation Groups: The fire pit serves as a gathering point for small groups and formation classes, creating an intimate and reflective setting for spiritual growth.
Community Garden: The Garden of Eatin’ is a space for cultivating vegetables and herbs, fostering relationships, and providing for those in need through gardening and harvest sharing.
Opportunities for Ministry
Outdoor Event Hosting: Help organize and set up outdoor liturgies, potlucks, or fireside gatherings in the Meadows.
Community Garden Team: Assist with planning, planting, tending, and harvesting in the Garden of Eatin’. This ministry is open to all skill levels and offers a hands-on way to connect with creation and community.
Groundskeeping and Maintenance: Volunteers are needed to maintain the courtyard, pergola, and surrounding areas, ensuring they remain welcoming and functional spaces for all.
Fireside Leaders: Facilitate or participate in fireside formation groups and discussions around the fire pit.
A Space of Community and Creation
The Meadows at Holy Trinity are sacred spaces where community life and spiritual formation flourish. Whether through the collaborative work of the Garden of Eatin’, the warmth of fireside gatherings, or the beauty of outdoor liturgies, these spaces invite parishioners and the wider community to experience God’s presence in nature and in fellowship.
Opportunities for ministry in the Meadows offer everyone a chance to serve, connect, and celebrate creation while honoring the legacy of those who have made these spaces possible. Through shared work, worship, and hospitality, the Meadows continue to grow as a symbol of Holy Trinity’s mission and community spirit.
The Johnston Wing
History/Traditions
The Johnston Wing serves as a vital hub for Holy Trinity’s outreach, administration, and gathering spaces, embodying the parish’s commitment to hospitality and service. Named in honor of The Rev. Henry Johnston, Jr., Holy Trinity’s third and longest-serving rector (1956–1970), the wing reflects his legacy of dedication to the parish and community. The spaces within the Johnston Wing—including the Johnston Parlor, Johnston Room, and other rooms—offer a place for connection, compassion, and ministry.
Current Use and Ministries Tied to the Johnston Wing
Fresh Start Ministry
Description: Fresh Start provides essential supplies for unhoused individuals in the area. Items such as warm hats, bottled water, toothbrushes, soap, and snack bars are packed into convenient bags for distribution. Parishioners are encouraged to take these bags and share them with those in need, extending the ministry’s reach throughout the community. Parish-wide distribution events are occasionally held to magnify this impact.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Assist with assembling Fresh Start bags.
Donate supplies for the ministry.
Participate in distribution events or share bags individually in the community.
Food Pantry
Description: A decades-old outreach program, the Food Pantry welcomes guests to receive free bags of groceries several days a week. This ministry addresses food insecurity in the community, offering support with dignity and compassion.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Pack grocery bags for guests.
Greet and host Food Pantry visitors in the Johnston Parlor.
Shop for pantry supplies to ensure stock is maintained.
Johnston Parlor
Description: This welcoming space, named in honor of Rev. Johnston, serves as the business entrance to Holy Trinity during the week and houses the front desk for the Food Pantry. It also functions as a meeting space for small groups and displays three COVID-era paintings created by local art teacher Kelli Perkins and her students as part of the Middleground Arts Series. These paintings offer a poignant reminder of resilience and creativity during challenging times.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Serve as a greeter for Food Pantry guests.
Host small group meetings or provide hospitality.
Share the story of the Middleground Arts Series with visitors.
Johnston Room
Description: Also named in honor of Rev. Johnston, the Johnston Room is a multi-use space where supplies for the Fresh Start Ministry are stored and Food Pantry bags are staged for distribution. The room also serves as a meeting place for community groups such as Al-Anon, supporting the parish’s outreach to individuals seeking recovery and healing.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Organize supplies for Fresh Start and the Food Pantry.
Prepare the space for community group meetings.
Support logistics for outreach programs based in the room.
A Space of Outreach and Connection
The Johnston Wing is a dynamic space where Holy Trinity’s mission to serve God through service to others comes to life. Whether assembling Fresh Start bags, greeting Food Pantry guests, or maintaining the legacy of Rev. Johnston, parishioners have countless ways to engage in meaningful ministry.
Through its welcoming parlor, active food distribution, and compassionate outreach programs, the Johnston Wing stands as a beacon of Holy Trinity’s commitment to love and serve its neighbors. It is a space where practical care meets spiritual hospitality, reflecting the heart of the parish’s mission.
The Memorial Garden
History/Traditions
The Memorial Garden at Holy Trinity was established in 1987 as a sacred space for the interment of cremains, offering a place of rest and remembrance for parishioners who have entered eternal life. Designed to comply with Fayetteville City Council approval, the garden contains no above-ground markers, reflecting simplicity, humility, and a deep sense of communal equality in the presence of God. This design allows the garden to remain a tranquil, meditative space for prayer and reflection.
The Memorial Garden continues the Episcopal Church’s tradition of honoring those who have passed with reverence and care, creating a space where families and friends can gather to celebrate lives well-lived and entrust their loved ones into God’s eternal care.
Current Use and Ministries Tied to the Memorial Garden
The Memorial Garden serves as a place for:
Interment Services: A serene setting for the committal of ashes, where the community can mourn and celebrate the life of the departed.
Prayer and Reflection: Visitors are welcome to spend time in the garden, reflecting on the lives of those interred and finding peace in its natural beauty.
Seasonal Remembrance Services: The garden is sometimes used for All Saints’ Day or other liturgical celebrations that honor those who have gone before us.
Opportunities for Ministry
Garden Maintenance: Volunteers are needed to tend to the garden, ensuring its natural beauty is preserved. Tasks include planting, weeding, and general upkeep.
Liturgical Support: Assist in organizing and participating in interment services or seasonal remembrance events.
Prayer Ministry: Spend time in the garden offering prayers for the departed and their loved ones.
A Place of Peace and Eternity
The Memorial Garden stands as a sacred space on Holy Trinity’s campus, embodying the church’s belief in the resurrection and the eternal life promised through Christ. Its simplicity and natural beauty offer a quiet reminder of the communion of saints and the enduring connection between the living and the dead.
For those interred there and the loved ones they leave behind, the Memorial Garden is a place of solace, hope, and eternal remembrance, rooted in the faith and love of Holy Trinity’s community.
The Education Wing
History/Traditions
The Education Wing at Holy Trinity has a rich history of serving the parish’s children and families. These classrooms originally housed Holy Trinity’s weekday kindergarten and, later, our preschool program. Over the decades, this wing has transitioned into a space dedicated to the spiritual formation of children and youth, continuing its legacy of nurturing faith and community.
Current Use and Ministries Tied to the Education Wing
Godly Play/Charles Kistler Room
Description: This room serves as the dedicated space for the Godly Play program, a Montessori-based Christian formation curriculum for children in grades K–5. A plaque on the door recognizes the late Charles Kistler, whose estate provided Holy Trinity’s first large endowment. Charles Kistler was an active parishioner who served as a member of the Vestry, Junior Warden, Diocesan Convention delegate, and Sunday School teacher. The room is dedicated in his memory, reflecting his enduring impact on the parish and its commitment to formation.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Serve as a Godly Play storyteller or doorperson.
Help care for and prepare materials used in the program.
Clair Clark Room
Description: Named in honor of Clair Clark, this room pays tribute to her decades of service in the nursery. Almost every Sunday, Clair could be found in her favorite spot—a rocking chair—cuddling and comforting little ones during church services. Her legacy of love and care continues to inspire the parish’s commitment to children’s ministries.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Support youth activities or assist with children’s programs held in this space.
Help maintain the room as a welcoming environment for Holy Trinity’s young people.
Nursery (Susan Saltonstall Woods Nursery)
Description: The nursery is named in memory of Susan Saltonstall Woods, honoring her legacy of care and dedication to Holy Trinity. It provides a safe and nurturing environment for children ages 0–4 during worship and parish events, staffed by experienced caregivers.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Volunteer as a nursery caregiver or assistant.
Donate toys, books, or supplies to enhance the nursery environment.
Youth Formation (Grades 6–12)
Description: Youth activities and fellowship often take place in the Jim Thomas Game Room and Clair Clark Room, creating spaces for creativity, fun, and meaningful connections. The Education Wing also serves as the starting point for youth service projects and retreats.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Serve as a youth leader or mentor.
Assist with planning retreats, service projects, or formation classes for youth.
Warehouse Room for the Food Pantry
Description: The Education Wing also houses the warehouse room for Holy Trinity’s Food Pantry, where supplies are stored and organized for distribution. This connection underscores the parish’s commitment to service and provides opportunities for youth and families to engage in outreach.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Assist with organizing and stocking food supplies.
Involve youth and families in service projects to support the Food Pantry’s mission.
Outdoor Playground
Description: The playground, accessible through the Education Wing, offers a safe and inviting space for children to play, build friendships, and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. It is also used for family gatherings and children’s ministry events.
Opportunities for Ministry:
Help maintain the playground and its surrounding area.
Organize outdoor activities and events for children and families.
A Place for Formation and Fun
The Education Wing at Holy Trinity is a lively and sacred space where children and youth are invited to grow in faith, explore their gifts, and experience God’s love in community. From Godly Play and Episcopals to retreats, service projects, and outdoor activities, this space nurtures the next generation of leaders and disciples.
Opportunities for ministry abound, offering parishioners the chance to shape the faith and lives of Holy Trinity’s young people by serving as group leaders, mentors, and retreat facilitators. In doing so, they help create a strong foundation for the parish’s future and embody the call to support and guide children and youth in their journey with Christ.
The Rainey Memorial Camellia Garden
History/Traditions
The Rainey Memorial Camellia Garden was donated to Holy Trinity in 1961 by the Fayetteville Camellia Club and named in honor of its founder and first president, Dr. W. T. Rainey. The garden celebrates the beauty of creation and reflects the strong connection between Holy Trinity and the wider Fayetteville community. As a living tribute, the camellias offer a serene and inspiring space for reflection, prayer, and appreciation of nature.
The garden is a cherished part of Holy Trinity’s campus, honoring the legacy of Dr. Rainey and the enduring relationship with the Camellia Club.
Current Use and Ministries Tied to the Camellia Garden
The Rainey Memorial Camellia Garden provides opportunities for spiritual reflection, community connection, and care for God’s creation:
Prayer and Reflection: The garden is a peaceful space where parishioners and visitors can spend time in contemplation, drawing inspiration from its natural beauty.
Seasonal Gatherings: The garden offers an ideal setting for small outdoor gatherings, such as prayer groups or seasonal liturgical celebrations.
Community Connection: The garden continues to symbolize Holy Trinity’s ties to the Fayetteville community, particularly through the shared appreciation of horticulture and beauty.
Opportunities for Ministry
Garden Maintenance and Care: Parishioners can help maintain the garden by pruning, weeding, and planting to ensure its beauty is preserved for future generations.
Community Engagement: Collaborate with the Fayetteville Camellia Club or other local organizations to celebrate the garden’s legacy and strengthen community ties.
Hosting Events: Plan small gatherings, such as outdoor devotions or parish fellowship events, that highlight the garden’s tranquil atmosphere.
A Space of Natural Beauty and Legacy
The Rainey Memorial Camellia Garden is a testament to the power of nature to inspire and connect. Its flowers bloom not only as a symbol of beauty but also as a reminder of Holy Trinity’s longstanding partnership with the community.
Whether through tending the garden, hosting events, or simply enjoying its peaceful ambiance, the Camellia Garden offers everyone a chance to honor creation, remember Dr. Rainey’s legacy, and celebrate the faith and fellowship that make Holy Trinity a cherished home for all.
The Louise Jordan Memorial Library
History/Traditions
The Louise Jordan Memorial Library was dedicated on December 22, 1957, becoming the first room in Holy Trinity to be named in honor or memory of a member of the congregation. Louise Huske Jordan, for whom the library is named, was a charter member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and a devoted servant to the parish. She served on the Vestry, the Women’s Auxiliary, and as the parish secretary, exemplifying a life of faith, service, and leadership.
The library originally housed a collection of books for parish use and was a gathering space for learning and fellowship. Over time, the space transitioned to accommodate changing needs, and it now serves as the office of the rector, continuing its legacy as a place of thoughtful work and pastoral care.
Current Use and Ministries Tied to the Library
Rector’s Office: The library now functions as the rector’s office, a space where the spiritual and administrative leadership of the parish is guided. It is used for sermon preparation, pastoral meetings, and the coordination of parish activities.
Pastoral Conversations: Parishioners often meet with the rector in this space for spiritual guidance, prayer, and support.
A Quiet Place of Reflection: Though no longer a traditional library, the room retains its character as a thoughtful and peaceful space.
Opportunities for Ministry
Preserving the Legacy: Volunteers can help maintain the history of the Louise Jordan Memorial Library by organizing historical documents or creating displays that honor Louise Jordan and her contributions to the parish.
Support for the Rector’s Office: Parishioners can assist with administrative or logistical tasks to support the work of the rector in leading Holy Trinity.
A Space of Dedication and Leadership
The Louise Jordan Memorial Library is more than an office—it is a testament to the dedication of one of Holy Trinity’s earliest members and a reminder of the legacy of service that continues to shape the parish.
While its purpose has evolved over the years, the room remains a space of leadership, reflection, and care, honoring the values Louise Jordan embodied and inspiring future generations to serve the church with faith and commitment.