Taylor Langstaff shows off the morgue, where coffins containing the dead were stored during the winter months when graves could not be dug.
Trinity Episcopal Morgue Unveiled After Many Hidden Decades
Homecoming Well Attended as Battle Creek Boys Choir Participates
October 30, 2010
By: Dave Rogers
The Battle Creek Boys Choir and Trinity singers perform for a full church at the homecoming.
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
The age when churches doubled as morgues and staging areas for funerals is typified by Trinity Episcopal Church, at Center Avenue and Grant Street.
Parishioners of the church held a "Homecoming: Coming Home" last weekend, unveiling the morgue and a catacombs area thought to have been prepared for burials as in European churches.
The morgue area featured a casket provided to add realism to the setting for the occasion by Richard Steele of Penzien-Steele Funeral Home.
The 1884 church has been revitalized recently by improvements to stonework and a renewed interest in the 22 stained glass windows. A book featuring color photographs of the stained glass windows has been produced and is available for sale.
Scores of visitors were welcomed to the church for tours and for a presentation by the Battle Creek Boys Choir as well as readings and a homily by Rev. Mike Herman and lay Eucharistic ministers.
Besides many activities related to religious services, such as choir and lay ministry, the many facets of activity at Trinity Church also include:
The Trinity Food Pantry provides assistance to individuals and families in need. In order to coordinate assistance for the many requests received, Trinity's Food Pantry is a member of the Bay City Emergency Food Pantry Network. Many thanks to Trinity members whose generosity keeps the Pantry shelves well stocked. If you wish further information, contact Jan Waldman through the church office, 892-5813.
Food of Faith at Trinity provides a nutritious meal on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. for anyone who needs one. A number of churches take turns providing and serving the meal. Approximately 135 meals are served each Sunday. Deacon Frank Davenport coordinates this important ministry. If you would like to participate in this worthwhile ministry, contact Deacon Frank at 892-3000.
The Card Ministry is an outreach effort through sending cards to shut-ins, persons who are ill, people in grief, or any person in need. In addition, the Card Ministry sends birthday cards to Trinity members in thanksgiving for their life and ministry.
Narcotics Anonymous. This self-help group meets at Trinity every Monday beginning at 7:00 pm as a spiritual testimony and support group for those recovering and living one day at a time. If you wish more information, contact the NA Answering Service at 695-2977.
Yoga - Peaceful spirits, calm minds, stretching muscles and relaxed bodies summarize Beth Trahan?s groups who meet for meditation and rest. The groups meet on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm and Thursday mornings at 10:00 am for five to seven week sessions. Contact Beth at 450-4623.
The Reivers (ree-vers) Band that played at the homecoming adds an informal touch of gospel blend with folk as accompanists and instrumentalists in worship.
Golden oldies, mellow ballads and lively contemporary secular and sacred music flow out of the fingers and voices of these silver-haired guitarists and drummer on Trinity's stage and in Trinity Church.
To meet up, join, hire, or enjoy this Americana folk, folk rock, blues, classic rock group, contact Pat, Mike, Tod or Bruce at 781-4848, 892-4169, 686-6161.
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