Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Our Building and History
The first Episcopal services in Davenport were held in 1836 by a traveling clergyman. Trinity Parish was incorporated in 1841, and the Diocese of Iowa was established in 1854. Henry Washington Lee was elected the first Episcopal Bishop of Iowa. The first church was modest. The second, built in 1852 in a Gothic style with a rose window, was the first church in Iowa to have a pipe organ. Unfortunately, the building was destroyed in a 1874 fire. After the Civil War, the cornerstone to the building we now call Trinity Cathedral was laid.
Diocesan offices moved to a central location within the state, Des Moines. In 1992, the Rt. Rev. C. Christopher Epting named St. Paul’s Church the liturgical Cathedral and Trinity the Historical Cathedral of Iowa. Our Deans have ranged in leadership styles in response to the context of the time. The Very Rev. John Hall, who served from 1989-2005, moved to include women in all facets of worship. He supported women’s ordination and welcomed the LGBTQI+ community. Dean Hall introduced the parish to Rite II liturgy and successfully fundraised to build Haines Parish Hall.
The lower level of the new hall was used to support teen parents of preschoolers through a daycare called Positive Parenting from 1995-2022. This space is now used to house Tapestry Farms.The Very Rev. James Harris served from 2007-2009 and resigned. The Very Rev. John Horn served from 2011-2022. He was known for his gentleness and stewardship of the liturgy. Homilies often centered on the Gospels and Jesus’ teachings. Dean Horn readily invited ordained parishioners to preach and empowered parishioners to lead activities. Our outreach ministries, parish life, and members have changed significantly over the last few years. Many of us bond over the traditional service and appreciate the inclusive and affirming atmosphere.
Our Congregation Today
The Cathedral averages 79 parishioners each week and boasts 257 documented members. Historically, the congregation was predominantly composed of elites, but we are currently economically diverse. The average age of our parishioners is 73. Recently, families with children and young adults have begun visiting Trinity. We are hopeful that with direction and support, our children’s and youth ministry will flourish. Another area for growth is in diversity, because 85% of the congregation identifies as white. The majority speak English, though neighbors speak Spanish, and Tapestry Farms people predominantly speak Arabic. We have dedicated Lay Ministers who are eager to partner with our Dean. Monthly, we bring prayers and the Eucharist to seniors at The Fountains, which is a senior living facility in Bettendorf, Iowa. The Rt. Bishop Betsey Monnot and visitors often note how vibrant and substantive our coffee hour is for fellowship. Music forms a large part of the Trinity Cathedral community. Michael Elsbernd serves as our Director of Music Ministries and makes good use of our Wolff pipe organ. We are known for the quality of our music and have hosted Chamber Music Quad Cities, Opera Quad Cities, and Messiah Sing-In. We have two choirs: the Cathedral and the Bell. Typically, we sing traditional hymns, and occasionally, we have special services, such as our annual Jazz service.Our Altar Guild does a wonderful job with the candles, flowers, and other elements.
We are rooted in the Book of Common Prayer and the lectionary. Participants wear vestments, altar linens reflect the church season, and we include incense on special occasions. Our congregation appreciates a formal service that culminates in the Eucharist. The Deanery School of Music makes use of the former residence of our Deans. It connects teachers, performers, and the community through education and events.