Holy Trinity Chapel, Peak’s Island
In 1953, when it became almost impossible to make boat and bus connections in order to attend St. Luke’s Cathedral in Portland, Daniel Sullivan (a summer resident and the organist at St. Luke’s who later became an Episcopal priest) offered a solution. He suggested that Bishop Oliver Loring be approached to inquire about the possibility of establishing a chapel for the summer months on Peaks Island. Not only did he enthusiastically support the proposal, but he also pledged financial support.
Since it was the Trinity season, it seemed appropriate to name the chapel Holy Trinity. Original members still in the congregation are Mary Ann Sanford, Barbara Whitney, Charlotte and Marty Patterson, and Mary and David Haeger.
The early years of the chapel were difficult since the chapel had no permanent clergy. Members had to rely on visiting priests who came from the mainland each Sunday morning. After a few years the congregation was able to rent a cottage on the island for the months of July and August in order to provide the visiting priest and family with a summer residence during their stay. Holy Trinity no longer receives any financial support from the diocese and rely on its plate collections, fairs, and winter tithing to meet expenses.
Holy Trinity’s first services were held at T.E.I.A. clubhouse. Although greatly appreciated, it was not always convenient because there were often conflicts. When members of St. Christopher’s Roman Catholic Church invited members of the chapel to use their building, they gladly accepted. Three years ago, members decided to change the time of the service from 10:15 a.m. to 8 a.m. and to change the location to the Brackett Memorial United Methodist Church. The congregation is most appreciative to the members of both of these churches in providing a place to worship.
The Rev. Don Webster, a year-round Peaks Island resident, will remain the chapel’s permanent presence on Peaks. This summer the congregation will welcome back the Rev. Ed Greene from Bath for the month of July and the Rev. Robert Hooper of Medfield, Massachusetts in August.
Although the membership fluctuates from time to time due to the transient nature of the communicants, members of Holy Trinity look forward to their 48
th season. They enjoyed their annual lobster cookout with Bishop Knudsen on August 6. Everyone is welcome to join the worship and activities at Holy Trinity.