History of Trinity Church Huntingdon - Part 1
1. Introduction
by Johan Myhill
The year 2006 marks an important milestone for Trinity Church, Huntingdon, when it celebrated its 183rd year of life and service within the community. Throughout its history many changes have been wrought and some of these have meant great upheaval and have demanded considerable adaptation on the part of her people. Nevertheless, unity and stability have been maintained and the changes have been accepted courageously and utilised successfully for the benefit of the community at large as well as for the people belonging to Trinity.
From its small beginnings, Trinity has risen to a position of influence and leadership within the Christian community of Huntingdon, and she is now looked to for initiative and direction not only from the other non-conformist churches in the area, but from the established churches. This is a great change from the early years of her life when she had to contend with much opposition and was certainly never regarded with the respect which is hers today.
2. The Background
Before looking at Trinity’s history in any detail, it is necessary first to examine the development of non-conformist influence in this country end in the district of Huntingdon prior to the actual formation of the Church.
By the early 1600’s news of the works of Luther, Calvin and Wycliffe had been disseminated throughout England, and this, together with the growing anti-clericalism, gave rise to a movement of people who became known as ‘Puritans’ or ‘Separatists’, although they were not all of one mind in their beliefs, end within the general movement itself there were many different sects. Nevertheless, what they did have in common was their fight for religious liberty, and these early pioneers had to suffer much for their convictions in the years to come.
