Episcopal church celebrates anniversary

Trinity Episcopal Church this month observes the 110th anniversary of the charter as an official congregation. 

On April 21, 1910, the Diocese of Dallas granted a charter as a mission church to the Episcopalians of Albany. There had been a small Episcopal congregation here as far back as the 1870s.

The local church had planned a special observance of this anniversary for its regular worship service on April 26, but that has been postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 epidemic. On-site services are currently suspended until further notice.

Trinity Episcopal has never had an assigned full-time rector, but has depended on visiting clergy. The church is currently served by the Rev. Jim Smart of St. Marks in Abilene and by the Rev. Dr. Doug Thomas from Abilene Church of Heavenly Rest.

The Albany congregation has always depended heavily on its lay leaders. Among senior wardens in the modern era have been Homer Stasney, Harold Castleberry, John Musselman Sr., John Matthews, Pam Farmer, Randy Bacon, and Larry Bell.  

The church is part of the Diocese of Northwest Texas.

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