Our History

130 Years of Hope: Trinity Covenant

Our Story

Trinity Covenant Church has a rich history, dating back over 130 years to a group of Swedish immigrants who were new to the United States but firm in their faith. After settling in Manchester, they recognized the need for a church that could serve and support fellow newcomers. Through prayer, perseverance, and sacrifice, the foundation of Trinity Covenant Church was laid.

Our Mission
At Trinity Covenant Church, we believe that transforming the world begins by transforming individual lives. What started with a small group of Swedish immigrants has grown into a global-reaching, life-giving church. Though our language, location, and size have evolved over time, one core truth has remained constant: we believe that Jesus Christ is the world’s one and only hope.

Inspired by the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18, we are driven not by the pursuit of success, but by the call to obedience—Jesus’ command to “go.” Our mission is to help people discover that the hope they’ve been searching for is found in Jesus alone. No solution offered by the world can compare to the life-changing power of Christ.

Our hope is to bring real and lasting change to our community, one life at a time—just as our founders did over a century ago. We invite you to be a part of this mission as we continue to reach others with the love of Christ.

1892

12 Swedish immigrants met together in Manchester to organize a new congregation. Early services (in Swedish) were held in the Methodist Church and in Cheney Hall.

1893

Our first building was erected on Spruce Street (at a cost of $1400).

1903

A new pump organ was purchased. Membership stood at 31 (plus children).

1933

The decision was made to use both Swedish and English in morning worship services.

1941

Swedish was replaced entirely by English, membership increased.

1948

The congregation officially affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church of America, with offices in Chicago.

1959

Members voted to relocate because the Spruce Street location had become too small.

1962

The current building was erected on Hackmatack Street.

1978

A second worship service was added.

1980

An educational wing was added, providing more classrooms and office space.

1999

Our current worship space was completed, along with new classrooms.

TODAY

We are a regional church with an average attendance of 200 on Sunday mornings. The values that brought about our church–love of God and love of neighbor–are still alive and well!