Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

The Trinity Cathedral is another nice surprise. It’s a short seven minute walk from my Loft. The Phoenix Chorale generally has an open rehearsal on First Fridays.
DO NOT MISS this special place for both worship on Sundays and music. Truly a wonderful addition to the quality of life in the Roosevelt Historic District.

Was invited for a Phoenix Chorale event this past Sat. The church has beautiful woodwork, high arched ceilings, and a terrific acoustic sounds. Great place to hold the ventue.

This church is very beautiful… I had to come just to see it. I visited the Sunday after Christmas when I knew it wouldn’t be too crowded. When I attempted to visit a few weeks prior, no parking was to be found — even with arriving 20 minutes in advance.
This is an older church and the inside has a lot of character. The floor is dark wood as are the pews, and the stained glass windows are incredible in the morning sunlight.
The church is getting a new dean, apparently, who starts at the beginning of the year. One of the deacons preached at the service I attended. The deacon pretty much read the sermon, which I do not like at a church… at all. If you’re going to read then post it on the website and I’ll download it myself… I can read it on my sofa on Sunday morning, comfy in my pjs with a cup of hot tea. I don’t want to be read to!
Parking is either on the street (good luck with that — you better arrive a minimum of 30 minutes in advance) or in the parking structure behind the church (good luck with that too — you need to arrive at least 20 minutes in advance).

When I moved here from New York City, I immediately set about looking for a church home. Some place with excellent liturgy, a welcoming congregation, and the ability to laugh at itself. After visiting a number of Episcopal Churches in the valley (what can I say? I’m Episcopalian!), I visited Trinity Cathedral once and was hooked. Young & old, rich and poor, male & female, gay and straight. Just like my New York parish.
Lovely spanish colonial revival building with wonderful modern stained glass. Excellent music. Great preaching. And this congregation loves to sing! A very affecting combination.
The theology is orthodox, but open-​hearted in its social application. Very ancient/​future in its orientation. Many opportunities to serve the wider community. For example, when Sheriff Arpiao started persecuting the congregation of San Pablo, stopping cars after worship and arresting suspected illegal immigrants, the Cathedral sponsored a Spanish Language service for those who would rather not be hassled immediately after mass.
They take education seriously (the Dean, formerly an astrophysicist, teaches ‘Physics for Poets’ — which doesn’t shy away from the equations).
Strong commitment to the Arts (check out their gallery during First Friday Art Walk).
If you’re looking for a New York-​style parish here in the Valley, Trinity Cathedral is as close as you’re going to find.