Our History

Church of the Trinity MCC began as MCC Sarasota/Bradenton in 1981 under the direction of Rev. Ron Russell-Coons.

Trinity first met at the Unitarian Church, then at other locations until 1988 when it's current campus was purchased. Rev. Robert E. Pierce became pastor in 1985 and church membership grew from 14 to 150 prior to his retirement for health reasons. Rev. T. Edward Helms was elected in June 1992.

Under Rev. Helms leadership the church grew to nearly 200 in Sunday attendance. The Rev. Gustave Kein, was elected the church's fourth pastor in January of 1996. In his three and a half years as minister he oversaw a growth period. Trinity's fifth pastor, Rev. Nancy L. Wilson, was installed in August 2001. Rev. Wilson was Moderator-elect of the fellowship at the time and is the former pastor of MCC Los Angeles. Membership and attendance at Trinity grew significantly under Rev. Wilson.

In May 2005, Trinity elected its sixth pastor, Rev. Dr. Mona West, to succeed Rev. Wilson. Under the leadership of Rev. West, our ministries and outreach continue to expand to meet the growing needs of the church and the community. Rev. David Wynn joined the staff in March of 2006 as Associate Pastor. Come check us out!

Some milestones in Church of the Trinity's journey are:

First worship service began in January 1982 in rented space at the Unitarian church. Trinity sponsored the area's first successful AIDS benefit in January 1982, and raised $1,000 for the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta. In March 1985, $500 was raised to assist local PWAs with food and medication. The present 3.5-acre campus was purchased in December 1988. First worship services on the new grounds were held Palm Sunday 1989 in the renovated garage, now the social hall known as Pierce Hall. The three-bedroom house on the property was later converted to office space. Rev. Elder Troy Perry participated in the ground breaking for the new sanctuary in December 1989. The $160,000 church bond program 'sold out' to the congregation in three weeks. Gay Pride Day, hosted on the church grounds on June 20, 1992 saw 800 participants. The new 250-seat sanctuary was ready for worship services in August 1992 and nearly 200 people gathered for worship. A food pantry helps supplement PWA's and others in need.

In 2003, Church of the Trinity purchased approximately 20 acres of adjacent land and is working on plans for its development with renown architect Carl Abbott as well as others. View plans of the model of our new campus.  More

Today, as always, Church of the Trinity members and friends volunteer, participate and lead the ministry of the church and various support groups, businesses, and social and political groups.