Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church

Trinity Episcopal Church, constructed between 1855 and 1857, served as the home of the third Episcopal mission established in the Republic of Texas by missionary Rev. Benjamin Eaton, a native of Dublin. The Galveston landmark, whose style imitates an early English Gothic parish church, has survived numerous natural destructive forces and is one of the oldest church buildings in continuous use in the Diocese of Texas. Superior detailing in the stone, brick, and woodwork and the simple grandeur of the design make Trinity Episcopal Church an outstanding example of this early Gothic style, favored by English Episcopal churchmen for their religious structures in the United States.

In 1842, under the direction of Rev. Eaton and with the financial support of Charles Peters, an English merchant resident of Galveston, the first Trinity Church was established in a small wooden edifice at the corner of Tremont and Winnie Streets. The early Gothic building measured 40 x 70 ft. and was elevated several feet from the ground on wooden blocks. Three years later, after considerable damage had occurred, plans were made for the erection of a new and larger church, commensurate with the growing wealth and size of both the church and the city.

The cornerstone for the present Trinity Church was laid on November 29, 1855, under the direction of the architect John de Young. The brick was furnished by John M. Brown from his brickyard at Morgan's Point. Continued to serve as one of the most zealous rectors of the church until his death in March 1871, Mr. Eaton was buried beneath the chancel of the church in a crypt that is open for public viewing. Since its foundation, Trinity Episcopal Church has played an important role in the development of the city of Galveston through its function as a religious, social, and educational center. It is significant that, throughout the evolution of the religious complex and numerous restorations, the overall architectural style has been skillfully maintained.