Trinity United Methodist Church will celebrate a unique milestone next month — turning 250 years old.
The church pre-dates the United States by less than two years. On Nov. 20, 1774, teenage preacher William Duke spread the gospel to a small group in Old Town, planting a seed that would see thousands of congregants and result in the church as it stands today at 2911 Cameron Mills Road.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we recognized that we didn’t get here by ourselves,” said Grace Han, lead pastor at the church. “This spring, we donated $15,000 to Alexandria City Public Schools lunch debt forgiveness and to ALIVE emergency housing assistance … We look forward to continuing to serve in our community.”
Next month the church will start celebrating the anniversary with the theme “250 Years of Looking Upward and Pushing Forward.”
Their upcoming homecoming weekend includes the following events.
- Friday, Nov. 15: “Hallelujah” hour and walking tour from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hotel Heron The weekend kicks off with a special “Hallelujah” Hour at the Heron Alexandria Hotel (699 Prince Street), followed by an evening history walking tour of Trinity landmarks in Old Town
- Saturday, Nov. 16: 250th Celebratory Dinner at Trinity (Sold out)
- Sunday, Nov. 17: 250th Anniversary Jubilee Worship Service, “This is My Story, This is My Song!” at 11 a.m. A worship service 250 years in the making, and open to the public, the worship service will take place in the church sanctuary, 2911
Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. The church will proclaim God’s faithfulness and boldly step into its next 250 years. Service will include special guests and a new, commissioned musical piece with orchestra. After worship, the congregation will blow out candles, and celebrate with cake and punch
