Trinity Episcopal Church, which in 1889 became the first Episcopal congregation in what became Oklahoma and was known as the “territorial cathedral,” is celebrating its 135th anniversary this year.
It was admitted into the Episcopal Union 72 days after the April 22nd Land Run. Two prominent citizens, C.M. Barnes, receiver for the U.S. Land Office, and F.B. Lillie, druggist, were leaders in the newly formed Guthrie congregation.
Located at 310 E Noble in Guthrie, the historic sanctuary has many original furnishings — such as a native sandstone baptismal font — still used in worship services.
Under the direction of its new vicar, The Rev. Robby Trammell, the vibrant mission congregation conducts Holy Eucharist services at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays and noon on Wednesdays.
“Everyone is welcome to worship at Trinity, where the gospel of Jesus is preached and lived out by word and deed,” Trammell said. “We proclaim the love of Christ – the Good News of salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and resurrection into eternal life through faith in Jesus, our Lord.”
Trinity is also active in the Guthrie community with outreach ministries that help daily with local food pantries such as Brunch on Noble, and conducting worship services monthly at The Hope House, a homeless shelter and local drug addiction recovery group home, and at The Harbor, a group home for residents with mental health impairments.
The church’s second annual community Pet Blessing Service is scheduled for Oct. 19 from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Guthrie city park. Logan County residents are invited to bring their beloved pets to the outdoor service, where prayers of blessings and thanksgiving will be offered for all “God’s creatures, great and small.”
First ordained in 2007, Rev. Trammell served as a deacon for 15 years before being ordained to the priesthood in 2022.
In 2018, he completed a 48-year career in the newspaper industry, retiring as news director of The Oklahoman, the state’s largest newspaper. There, he also earned numerous honors as an investigative reporter.
He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2015. He also taught mass media ethics for ten years as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond.
Trammell and his wife, Linda, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in April. They have three grown sons, six grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren.