{"id":462,"featured":0,"modified":"2026-04-17 19:35:33","latitude":33.45871100000000097907104645855724811553955078125,"longitude":-112.07445699999999533247319050133228302001953125,"title":"Trinity Cathedral","subtitle":"A Historic Icon in Downtown Phoenix","fullsize":"https://saltriverstories.org/files/fullsize/ed7f8b21a01be1447da8fad8f6c8183f.jpg","address":"100 W Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85003","all_locations":[],"zoom":12,"creator":["Maleny Intharath"],"description":"Roosevelt Row, in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, contains an eclectic mix of high-rises, cottages, and revival style buildings, making it a unique representation of various architectural styles found in Phoenix. At the corner of Roosevelt Street and 1st Avenue lies Trinity Cathedral, standing for over 100 years and growing with the city itself. Inspired by Spanish colonial architecture, the Cathedral continues to anchor the eclectic neighborhood with its striking architecture and stained glass windows.
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\r\nTrinity Cathedral has a deep-rooted history, tracing its origins back to 1885 when the Episcopal Church arrived in Phoenix, Arizona. The first church building, a small brick structure with a bell tower, was established in 1889. As the congregation grew, the construction of the magnificent Trinity Cathedral, which we see today, commenced in 1915 and was completed in 1920. Architect Charles Coolidge of Boston was inspired by Spanish colonial architecture and included blocks of tufa stone, clay roof tiles, redwood roof beams, and plain red tiled floor.
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\r\nThe Cathedral served the city and its congregants as Phoenix grew. The parish served the community by launching St. Luke's Hospital, Friendly House, Golden Gate Settlement House, and other programs to benefit the city. B.P. Darrel Dupa, Dwight B. Heard and Barry Goldwater were all prominent members of the congregation. By 1948, an estimated 2000 parishioners called Trinity Cathedral their spiritual home.
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\r\nIn the 1960s, the prospect of freeway expansions into the downtown Phoenix area caused concerns for many buildings in the vicinity, as they faced the possibility of demolition. Trinity Cathedral was not exempt from these worries and discussions arose about relocating it to a suburban area, as many other churches had done. Furthermore, due to its lack of renovations since its original construction, the cathedral was showing signs of physical wear and tear. However, ultimately, the decision was made to preserve the cathedral in its current location and update it to adapt to the changing times. During the period between 1960 and 1990, numerous buildings in the area were indeed demolished, but thanks to the efforts of local officials, the remaining historic districts, including Trinity Cathedral, were allowed to stay put. The cathedral also owned parcels of land in the surrounding area, further securing its place.
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\r\nBy 1990 the number of parishioners attending church in the cathedral dropped to less than 100, due to changing make up of the surrounding neighborhoods. However, throughout the decade the gentrification of the downtown area and the popularity of historic homes led to a resurgence in membership. In early 2000, the leadership of the Cathedral began a campaign to restore the church and to grow its congregation. Labeling this fundraising campaign a "resurrection" of the Cathedral, restoration work revealed the original redwood ceilings and was completed a year later. However, a fire destroyed parts of the sanctuary in 2002, and it took three years for the congregation to return to the building. Today Trinity Cathedral continues to offer weekly services to parishioners, as well as serving other needs.
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\r\nBeyond being a place of religious significance, Trinity Cathedral also played a role in promoting the arts. In 1966, the cathedral hosted two sold-out performances of Duke Ellington's Concert of Sacred Music, establishing itself as a venue for cultural events. During its renovations, Trinity Cathedral received new iron doors and stained glass windows, incorporating elements reminiscent of Spanish colonial churches. In the present day, the cathedral continues to embrace the arts by housing the Olney Gallery, providing a platform for local artists to exhibit their work and allowing the church to engage with the public in new and creative ways. Throughout its existence, Trinity Cathedral has remained an invaluable piece of history, serving as a testament to Phoenix's growth and transformation over the years.","sponsor":null,"accessinfo":"","lede":"Located in Roosevelt Row, Trinity Cathedral has been an important community location since its completion in 1920. Despite pressure to relocate due to the freeway expansion, Trinity Cathedral remains in its original location and occupies a special place in the local art scene.","website":"https://trinitycathedral.com/","related_resources":["Ed Masley, \"'We inherit a desire for a better world': Phoenix church celebrates 100 years with photos,\" AZCentral, 19 November 2021.","Trinity Cathedral History, Trinity Cathedral, accessed November 1, 2023."],"factoids":["Famous Phoenicians that were members of Trinity Parish
\n"],"files":{"https://saltriverstories.org/files/fullsize/ed7f8b21a01be1447da8fad8f6c8183f.jpg":{"id":2471,"mime-type":"image/png","title":"Trinity Cathedral, an Episcopal church, in Phoenix","description":"Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizons circa. 1930 | \"Trinity Cathedral, an Episcopal church, in Phoenix,\" Arizona State Archives Historical Photos Collection, Arizona Memory Project, accessed November 1, 2023. | 1930","thumbnail":"https://saltriverstories.org/files/square_thumbnails/ed7f8b21a01be1447da8fad8f6c8183f.jpg"},"https://saltriverstories.org/files/fullsize/6ca28f957780419e60b183f0f9585ed4.jpg":{"id":2531,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Architectural drawing of Trinity Cathedral","description":"An architectural drawing that was published in the Arizona Republican newspaper describing the fundraising plans for the new Cathedral. The Cathedral would join the already existing Cathedral House and Bishop's House on location at Roosevelt and first avenue. | \"Beautiful Trinity Cathedral to be erected at cost of $75,000 Raised in Campaign that opens today,\" The Arizona Republican, January 1, 1920. | January 1, 1920 | Charles A. Coolidge","thumbnail":"https://saltriverstories.org/files/square_thumbnails/6ca28f957780419e60b183f0f9585ed4.jpg"},"https://saltriverstories.org/files/fullsize/d0509f92554d5f2db299d127eb96f391.jpg":{"id":2493,"mime-type":"image/png","title":"Construction of Trinity Cathedral","description":"Trinity Cathedral under construction in 1920 with cars and people in front. | Arizona Republic, \"Trinity Cathedral Centennial Show — 100 Years of Photographs,\" AZ Central, 19 November 2021. | 1920 | Trinity Cathedral","thumbnail":"https://saltriverstories.org/files/square_thumbnails/d0509f92554d5f2db299d127eb96f391.jpg"},"https://saltriverstories.org/files/fullsize/0ee6187ac54f8a72ce149e9e5f362827.jpg":{"id":2494,"mime-type":"image/png","title":"Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix","description":"Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona as of 2009. | Eric Brimhall, \"Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (Phoenix).png,\" Wikipedia, 09 Janurary 2009. | January 9 , 2009 | Eric Brimhall","thumbnail":"https://saltriverstories.org/files/square_thumbnails/0ee6187ac54f8a72ce149e9e5f362827.jpg"},"https://saltriverstories.org/files/fullsize/2bde50f22c01c68e4e804a929ee571dc.jpg":{"id":2530,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Duke Ellington Sacred Concert Poster","description":"Trinity Cathedral hosted Duke Ellington for two sold out performances of the concert. The Cathedral choir accompanied Ellington and his orchestra for the show. The shows cemented Trinity Cathedral as a musical venue and cultural resource. | \"Trinity Cathedral Centennial Timeline,\" Trinity Cathedral, accessed March 1, 2024.  | November 10, 1966","thumbnail":"https://saltriverstories.org/files/square_thumbnails/2bde50f22c01c68e4e804a929ee571dc.jpg"},"https://saltriverstories.org/files/fullsize/c8b7c01bb0dd78004ae437faa36b3ab8.jpg":{"id":2529,"mime-type":"image/png","title":"Goldwater visitation held at Trinity Cathedral.","description":"After Senator Barry Goldwater's death in 1988, two days of visitation were held at Trinity Cathedral for the public to pay their respects. His funeral was held at Grady Gammage Auditorium on ASU's campus, with over 3000 people in attendance. Goldwater was baptized at Trinity Parish in 1911. | \"Funeral Services for Former U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater of Arizona,\" AZ Central, August 26, 2018.  | June 2, 1998 | Tim Koors","thumbnail":"https://saltriverstories.org/files/square_thumbnails/c8b7c01bb0dd78004ae437faa36b3ab8.jpg"},"https://saltriverstories.org/files/fullsize/07d83c8db824cf2f670f382b6122be1d.jpg":{"id":2496,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Trinity Cathedral Interior","description":"The interior of Trinity Cathedral from the main door on the final day of the Trinity Cathedral Centennial Year in 2022. | How We Celebrated, Trinity Cathedral, accessed November 1, 2023. | June 12, 2022 | Max Walker","thumbnail":"https://saltriverstories.org/files/square_thumbnails/07d83c8db824cf2f670f382b6122be1d.jpg"},"https://saltriverstories.org/files/fullsize/e33f0a0ff9451cf060ab01f8243671b0.jpg":{"id":2495,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Trinity Cathedral Interior","description":"The interior of Trinity Cathedral from the pulpit during the final day of the Trinity Cathedral Centennial Year in 2022. | How We Celebrated, Trinity Cathedral, accessed November 1, 2023.  | June 12, 2022 | Max Walker","thumbnail":"https://saltriverstories.org/files/square_thumbnails/e33f0a0ff9451cf060ab01f8243671b0.jpg"}}}