The Episcopal Church in Ware was organized in 1872 by thirteen interested citizens. Meetings and services were held in private homes and in the East Congregational Chapel, whose sexton apparently hurried in after the Prayer Book service to throw open the windows "to air out the Episcopals."
The pastoral needs of the people were met for several years by a mission priest, and in October 1887, Charles Duffield was called as Trinity's first rector. Since that time there have been many fine priests at Trinity. Most notable for their long tenures were Arthur Chase who served from 1895 to 1935 and Jonathan Morrill from 1950 to 1976. In 1998, Kathryn White was called to Trinity as their first woman rector.
In 1888, a church building seating 300 people was constructed at a cost of $16,000. In 1901 the debt was retired and on June 10th, the building was consecrated by William Lawrence, Bishop of Massachusetts. On Trinity Sunday, June 10, 2001, the parish celebrated the hundredth anniversary of the building's consecration, and Gordon Scruton, eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts was on hand to bless its ongoing worship.
In 1909, a rectory was added to the property, and, in 1984, a generous bequest enabled the purchase of Davis House, next door to the church. This building houses Trinity Christian Nursery School, church school classrooms, The Jubilee Ministries, and a sexton's apartment.
Trinity Christian Nursery School is well known in the area as " a positive, ecumenical pre-school setting where children receive all the normal kindergarten readiness skills in a warm, loving Christian environment."
The Jubilee Ministries, which began in 1985 in a closet in the church basement, soon outgrew its space and now is housed in three rooms at Davis House. The Jubilee Cupboard is the food bank for the town of Ware, with local churches and civic organizations contributing generously to its shelves. Similarly, the Jubilee Clothing Closet provides used clothing free of charge to community residents in need. Trinity also contributes to the Ware Fuel Bank and Shelter Fund which are administered by The United Church of Ware (the former East Congregational Chapel.)
In the mid 1980's, the vestry went on record as endorsing the tithe (10%) as the standard of giving. Since that time, the parish has strengthened its commitment to mission and outreach substantially. At present more than 13% of our annual budget is given to missions: global, national, regional, and local, and there is an ongoing effort to develop personal relationships with missionaries and organizations we support. After several years of giving financially to the Common Cathedral in Boston, in the summer of 2001 a group of parishioners traveled to meet that community in person. The people of Trinity worshipped with the homeless at their weekly outdoor eucharist and then served them lunch, an opportunity to share both physical and spiritual nourishment. Trinity has also long supported Sonja Hoekstra-Foss in her mission work in Africa, and has received her support as well through her prayers and presence.
"The Episcopal Church welcomes you" is true in Ware. Trinity's church building is fully handicap accessible and welcomes a diverse population into its life.
The success of the Jubilee Ministries and the Trinity Christian Nursery School have taught us that we can make a difference. We will continue to give of our treasure while we turn our focus to the giving of our time and talent as well. It is our intention to move forward in the areas of evangelism, faith development and continued outreach in response to the ever-changing social climate. As we head into the next century, we will continue to gather for worship and fellowship and be empowered by the Word and Sacraments to go forth in Jesus' name to serve humanity.

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