Trinity Parish Church, Seattle

Trinity Parish Church, the inaugural Episcopal church in Seattle, was founded on August 13, 1865. However, it wasn't until 1870 that the congregation's first church structure was constructed at the corner of Third Avenue and Jefferson Street. Unfortunately, this wooden building fell victim to the ravaging flames of the Great Fire of 1889. Consequently, the church relocated to its present location on Eighth Avenue, where a new edifice was erected and unveiled in 1892. This architectural masterpiece, designed in the English Gothic Revival style, was the brainchild of Henry F. Starbuck, an esteemed architect based in Chicago. The construction process was expertly overseen by Charles A. Alexander.

In 1902, disaster struck again when a fierce fire tore through the interior, leaving only the external walls standing. To rebuild the church and expand its dimensions, the services of Seattle architect John Graham, Sr. were enlisted. Remarkably, Graham managed to preserve the essence of the English Gothic Revival style while introducing exquisite German stained glass windows and an opulent Italian marble altar.

The awe-inspiring stained glass windows were meticulously crafted by the renowned Franz Mayer & Co. of Munich, Germany. On the other hand, the Carrara marble altar was skillfully designed and manufactured in Italy, incorporating elements of mother of pearl, ceramic tile, and Venetian gold glass.

Due to its historical significance and architectural splendor, the church building was bestowed with the prestigious distinction of being a Seattle Landmark in 1976. Additionally, it earned recognition as a state landmark and was officially listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1991.