The latest in a series of
Nanos hidden within a short walking distance of Downtown Newport,
the City by the Sea. I will try to bring you to scenic views, bits
of history, or just a plain cool location.
Trinity Church was built in 1726, with members of the
congregation building their own box pews, to help defray the cost
of construction. This resulted in pews of various shapes and sizes.
Additional bays were added in 1762 as the congregation grew.
Trinity Church is home to the only remaining three-tiered
wineglass pulpit remaining in its original position in the center
of the aisle, in America. It indicates the importance of preaching
during the colonial period, and the sermon at Sunday services is
still given from it today. Most colonial churches had central
pulpits, but many later moved them to the side.
On the south side of the main aisle, adjacent to the Clerk's
Desk, is a box pew ornamented with engraved silver plaques
commemorating visitors of special significance who were seated
there. The earliest of these is George Washington; others include
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu and
his wife Leah.
From 1985 to 1987, Trinity Church underwent a major restoration
under the "Save Historic Trinity" program to stabilize the grand
old building, which had developed a serious list from centuries of
pressure from ocean winds. After careful research, the interior and
exterior of the church were painted in their original colors. The
tower clock was taken down, cleaned, and polished.
Today, visitors to Trinity are welcomed by members of the Guides
Committee, fondly known as the "Sitting Saints," who delight in
pointing out all the fine details of the church. Tours are given
per the following schedule:
May 1st – June 15th: Monday – Friday 10:00 am
– 1:00 pm
June 16th – July 7th: Monday – Friday 10:00 am –
4:00 pm
July 7th – Sept. 1st: 7 days a week 10:00 am – 4:00
pm
Sept 2nd – Oct 14th: Monday – Friday 10:00 am –
4:00 pm
Oct 15th – Oct 31st: Monday – Friday 10:00 am –
1:00 pm
Tours are also conducted immediately following the 10:00 a.m.
Sunday service year round.
The church has been seen in several films, including Amistad and
Evening. The Tiffany stained glass windows are valued at more than
$3 million, and the organ was tested by Handel before being sent
from England.
Cache is a nano as expected. Please use stealth when retrieving
and replacing the cache. I want to make these easy, so please use
the hint. Difficulty level is for the high muggle activity.
Parking will be extremely difficult in the summer months. Please
pay attention to all parking signs..we don't want anyone getting a
ticket.
So, come on and cache a little in America's First Resort.