In 1784 the British signed a peace treaty which ended the war with the United States  in turn Florida was ceded back to Spain. When the Spanish arrived they found that the Church Of England had been using there church during British rule. Because of this the Spaniards found this church to be useless they wanted to find a location where temporary services could be held. Father Thomas Hassett chose the upper floor of an old Bishop's house as a location for this. It was only a 50 by 90 foot building and when the British ruled it was a statehouse. This parish however became the Basilica Cathedral of St. Augustine which eventually moved to its currently location. However at one time before the Trinity Episcopal Church Of St. Augustine existed this Catholic Church sat in its place.

Many years later in about 1821 the Trinity Parish was established which became the oldest Protestant Church In Florida. In 1830 the first church was built and services were held in 1831. The structure was built with coquina and was 36' x 50' so not very large for a church. By 1834 the church was consecrated jut a few years later.

The church gradually built up as three stained glass windows were added before the civil war. Much money was raised by the women of the church. In 1895 Rev. C.M. Sturges joined with the parish. His goal was to increase the size of the church and six years later work began. By 1903 the new church was complete which had a cruciform structure and neo-gothic appearance. The church was able to seat 500 parishioners. 

From 1904 to 1936 a new reverend took over the parish by the name of L. Fitz James Hindry. They formed many organizations like the Altar Guild, Daughters Of The King, St. Catherine's Guild, and many others. Then by 1955 a two story educational facility and parish Hall were added on. Then in 1966 an Aeolian-Skinner Organ was added. So as you can see the church development in steadily increasing in the mid 1900s.

Over the years as St. Augustine's grew so did the number of people who attended here. Like most of St. Augustine's this is a place of history and even the land around it raids as well as massacres took place at. Despite all the additions to the church it still has its 1800s look being that it is the oldest Episcopal Parish in the state it also perhaps is one of the most haunted.

© By

Rick-AngelOfThyNight


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