By Jean Bishop
Trinity Church was established in Disputanta. It was a growing community. With both Warwick and Centerville congregations struggling for membership, it was a hotly debated topic as whether or not to consolidate the churches. Both congregations voted twice and it was decided to build a church in Disputanta. The final deed was dated February 2, 1882. The cost of the property was $50.00. The lumber for the church and parsonage was la
rgely contributed by Mr. J. G. Harrison and was cut at his saw mill. Some lumber came from trees on the church property and was used for flooring. The name of the church was chosen to be “Trinity”, meaning three in one (Centerville, Warwick, and the new church). The majority of membership came from Centerville church. Trinity was dedicated on Aug 2, 1883. The Brandon Masonic Lodge Number 192 assisted in laying the cornerstone. Trinity still stands on the original site and foundation. The first service was held in 1885.
Considerable changes and improvements have been made. The Sunday School was recorded as being opened in December 1884. In 1889 Trinity reported six Sunday School classes with a membership of 60 people. Services were held every other Sunday. The fifth Sunday was a day off for the preacher. In 1910 the pastor’s salary was $1,000.00. In 1917 a special meeting was held and the Trustees were authorized to mortgage the property for the sum of $2500.00 for the purpose of remodeling.
Improvements included replacing the oil lamps with gas lights and later electrical equipment was installed. Entrance doors were converted into Gothic oval windows and a memorial window was given. The vestibule with belfry was erected and the bell was installed – reportedly weighing over 7,000 pounds. A hot air heating system was installed and choir loft built. Original square windows were removed and double Gothic oval windows were installed. No other major improvements were made until 1932, when a steam heating system was installed. The yard was graded and an iron fence placed around it. In 1921 Trinity’s membership was 100. In 1937 Trinity began erection of five classrooms. There was no debt upon their completion. During 1938- 1942 the Prince George Charge made such outstanding records of benevolent giving that the Advocate asked Rev. Swann for a statement about the work of the people of the Charge.
In 1946-1948 Sunday School classrooms behind the choir loft were built. Mr. Harwood Thacker gave a large portion for the erection of the Men’s Bible Classroom. In 1948 Warwick Church merged with Trinity, bringing membership to 207. The Sunday School purchased the brass cross in 1950 as a memorial to World War I veterans. An organ was purchased in 1951. A number of changes were made from 1953-1956. Restrooms were installed. The chancel was divided, choir enclosed with brass rail and velvet curtains, new pews, and new pulpit, lectern and altar, new chairs were purchased and a hymn board. Special dedication services were held October 28, 1956. Old pews and pulpit furniture were sold. New songbooks were purchased in 1958 (Songs for Service) for the Sunday School. In 1967 new Methodist Hymnals were purchased. In 1962 a new communion rail was given in memory of Harwood Thacker. In 1962 considerable improvements were made to the parsonage.
Trinity became a station church in 1963. Becoming a station church is of great significance at any time, but taking such action in the middle ofa conference year is even more profound. It demands special consideration from the Bishop. The parsonage at Disputanta was built in the year 1914 at a cost of $3,500.00 and was sold to Trinity for the sum of $8,000.00 in 1962. A pastor could not be appointed to Trinity until the Annual Conference which was being held in June 1963.
Reverend William Hindman was to continue serving the original six churches of the charge until that ti
me. Mr. L. L. Beazley (for whom Beazley School was named) had the distinction and privilege of preaching Trinity’s first church service as a station church on February 17, 1963. The Annual Conference of June 1963 appointed Rev. Hindman as the first pastor of Trinity as a station church. The parsonage continued to need repair. Trinity continues to be an active, growing church today. It is located on Route 460 in the Disputanta community. The current Pastor is Bob Blinn, who has been with Trinity since July 2010.
