Trinity Episcopal Church's history spans three centuries. Trinity Episcopal Church observed its 150th anniversary as an Anoka faith community in 2008, and its 50th anniversary in this church building in 2015.
Trinity was founded in September 1858, when Anoka had 500 inhabitants and four other religious parishes and congregations, including Congregational, Methodist, Roman Catholic, and Baptist. The new Episcopal congregation conducted services in a local schoolhouse until its first church building, at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Jackson Street in Anoka, was consecrated in July 1860.
That first Trinity was a small building, seating about 90 people. Even with the addition of an undercroft (basement) and a parish hall, it was outgrown before the parish celebrated its centennial. The second Trinity, the most recent church building at Sixth Avenue and South Street, was ready for services in time for Christmas 1965. By the end of January 1966, the Sunday school and church offices were in place. This building, too, was outgrown and, in 1989, the Johnson Room was built, and the original parish hall was divided into several classrooms.
Trinity Episcopal Church, Anoka, one of the oldest Episcopal parishes in Minnesota, is now well on the way to filling out its second hundred years of active service. More information to come on the ministries we've started that are now thriving, including Family Promise (Anoka County).
In the fall of 2024, budget realities meant that Trinity needed to rethink how we live as a church. Like many churches, caring for our physical building was becoming unsustainable. Through over a year of discernment, our leadership and community discerned a continued call to worship and service in the Anoka area, rather than closing or merging with another church.
Since Jan 2026, we've been worshipping in the Anoka Sr. Center. City staff and leadership have been deeply welcoming, offering us hospitality and a new home. Setting aside responsibility for the building has released time, energy, and resources for worship and discipleship. We're excited to be a church plant with 160 years of history!
The land on which Trinity Anoka stands is the homeland of the Anishinaabe and Dakota people. Trauma is deeply embedded in the foundation of this country. The land we reside on came under the control of the USA through genocide, slavery, and ongoing occupation. Deep historical, personal, and spiritual trauma has had an impact on indigenous communities, communities of color, immigrant communities, and many others. We affirm the right of those who have experienced this trauma or any other to bring their whole selves and stories into this space. Together, we affirm our intention to promote healing, respect, and love.