During the formative years of the late 19th and early 20th centuries the growth and success of the Episcopalian church in Pawtuxet was due in large part to the devotion and hard work of the mission workers. From 1883 until 1925, the present-day Trinity Church was known as the Trinity Chapel and was a mission of Grace Church in Providence. Malcolm C. Hincliffe, in his account of the church’s history, written in 1986 (and provided by Pawtuxet historian Henry A.L. Brown), tells us that the mission workers were “the backbone, the power and the very spirit of Trinity.”

He goes on to say they met every week, with a few exceptions in the summer. To raise funds the mission workers had a monthly entertainment or supper as well as a “May Breakfast, a Christmas Fair and a Lawn Party.” During the summer, we are told, “They gave two, not one but two, clambakes every year to raise money to run little Trinity Chapel.” In addition, Hincliffe tells us, they ran a lawn party raising $400 to hire a “rather dilapidated hall [Guild Hall], which stood on the corner of Sheldon and Commercial Streets.” Some historians suggest that the first service of Trinity Chapel was held here, while others believe it was in a building on Fair Street.

The first rector was Reverend Samuel Webb of Christ Church. He served in that capacity for two years and then Grace Church took control of the mission and provided the curates for Trinity Chapel. For much of the late 19th century, rectors served in Pawtuxet on a part-time basis as most of their duties were in other parishes.

Finally, on Easter Sunday in 1909, according to Hincliffe’s story, Rev. J. Hugo Klaren became the full-time rector at Trinity. Rector Klaren is given credit for getting the parish to erect the lovely gothic0style edifice that we see today on Ocean Ave. Generous gifts from the rector and various parishioners made it possible for Bishop Will M. McVickar to dedicate the new church in October 1910.

Many of the rectors that followed were very close to the parishioners and very well liked. Rev. John H. Robinette, who came to Trinity in 1915, was one of these. When he announced that he had received a call from St. James’ Church to serve as rector there, we are told that the vestry and the parishioners didn’t want him to leave. They noted that “the rector remain in his present field of labor; the work he has accomplished since he has been with us is appreciated more than he realizes and his services are required here to continue the good work he has commenced.” Within a short time, however, Rector Robinette did leave but returned in 1924 and remained as rector of Trinity until ill health forced him to resign in 1944.

After World War II, Trinity began to make great strides. In January 1946, Mr. Frederick G. Hicks presented a number of plans for improvements to the vestry. His ideas were approved and he was asked to become Trinity’s rector in May 1946. He resigned his position with the Corning Glass Company and became full-time rector in July. In 1949 Rev. Frank J. Landolt became rector and, in the years following, Trinity Church grew during the period of expansion in the population of Cranston. By 1957 a beautiful new parish house was completed and the church continued to grow, reaching 582 communicants by 1986.

The story of Trinity Church in Pawtuxet will be continued.