Church History | Staff

The history of Trinity Memorial Church of Binghamton, New York begins in the year1886. The city was expanding and prosperous. The population had reached a figure of over 35,000 and the rate of growth was 5,000 new residents every decade. The city had become a major cigar manufacturing center, ranking second in the nation in this industry. Times were good.

The Episcopal Church had its beginning in Binghamton earlier in the century. In 1810 a local group, led by Daniel Nash, established an organization known as "The Episcopal Church of Chenango and Union." Not long after, a house of worship was erected on Washington Street and the name "Christ Church" was adopted. The present, beautiful stone edifice we know today was erected in 1853.

To meet the needs of communicants of the Episcopal church residing on the south side of the Susquehanna River, the Church of the Good Shepherd was organized in 1870 as a mission of Christ Church.

Some 13 years later, on September 26, 1883, a group of members of Christ Church met informally to consider the feasibility of forming another new parish, this one to be on the west side of the Chenango River.

Three years later, in 1886, the time seemed right for this new venture. On March 6, a group of 12 men and seven women met at the home of John Ray Clarke, a prominent businessman. Mr. Clarke presided at the meeting and records tell us that he "stated the object of the meeting, calling attention to the large field for church work on the west side of the Chenango River, the number of church people residing there, and the lack of church accommodations. Those present responded enthusiastically in favor of the proposed new parish and a lot for the church on the northeast corner of Main and Oak streets was offered by Mr. Clarke and James K. Welden.

Twelve days later the group met again at the home of Mr. Clarke. A decision was made to call the Rev. Sydney H. Cooke to take charge of the parish at an annual salary of $1,000.

The Certificate of Incorporation for Trinity Church was filed and recorded on May 13, 1886. By early June the chapel building was completed and the first service in the new chapel was held on Whitsunday in 1886.

In 1894 a gift of $25,000 to the parish from Mrs. John Ray Clarke was designated for the building of a new church. At this time the corporate name of the church was changed to Trinity Memorial Church. Mrs. Welden also donated the beautiful stained glass window over the entrance door in memory of her husband. The cornerstone of our present building is dated 1896.