A Brief History of Trinity United Methodist Church

     Trinity United Methodist Church began as an idea in First United Methodist Church of Tifton early 1955. The congregation first selected a temporary administrative board on April 23, 1955 chaired by Mr. Al Greer. Trinity UMC was officially chartered at its current location on May 22, 1955 with 92 members on the role. The Rev. Norman M. Lovein, Valdosta District Superintendent, presided. The first minister appointed to Trinity UMC was Rev. George Coppage.

   The first church meetings were held in a tent borrowed from the Conference Board of Missions and Evangelism and held at the current location of Trinity UMC.

   The ground breaking ceremony for the first permanent building, "Kent Hall", was held on Sept. 22, 1955. Mr. A.E. Daniels moved the first shovel of dirt while Mr. Roy Fowler served as the chair of the building committee. On Christmas Day, 1955, the first services were held in Kent Hall and the building was officially dedicated on March 4, 1956.

   The sanctuary was the next building to rise at Trinity UMC with the ground breaking ceremony on Nov. 9, 1958. Mr. Eddie R. Willis, Jr., served as the building committee chair. On March 6, 1960, the first service was held in the new sanctuary building, with the Rev. Bernard Brown, District Superintendent, leading the service.

   In 1966, a home at 609 East 12th Street was purchased an addition was built onto the house. This home continues to serve as the parsonage for our pastor and their families.

   The third and final building at Trinity UMC was begun with a ground breaking ceremony on March 14, 1978. Mr. Joe Kent, Sr. turned the first shovel while Mr. Jack Ratcliffe served as the building committee chair. This new, two-story building serves as the Social Hall and Education Building. On Nov. 11, 1979, the first classes were held in the new facility.

  History of Pastors: