TOLEDO– Trinity Episcopal Church marked a historic moment for the 183-year-old church. On Nov. 8, faith leaders and the local community gathered for the formal installation of the Rev. Jon M. Richardson as the church’s 33rd rector. The celebration, rooted in long standing Episcopal tradition, served as both a milestone for the congregation and a reflection of the church’s identity of being progressive and inclusive.
The installation marks a new chapter in the church’s long and evolving history. From 2018 to 2023, the congregation was led by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Grey, whose departure left a significant transition ahead.
“When our previous priest left, they [the bishop’s office] were very tuned into this and wanted to make sure that we weren’t essentially a ship without a captain,” said Trinity’s operations manager, Heather Meyer.
To guide the parish through that period, the Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Applegate served as interim priest from 2023 to 2025, providing stability and leadership until a permanent rector could be appointed. “He transitioned everything beautifully for Jon,” Meyer said.
Richardson, who began his ministry at Trinity on Mar. 16, explained the significance of the ceremony.
“It is the tradition in the Episcopal Church when a priest begins a new ministry that the congregation celebrates their ministry, and particularly as it relates to having a new priest, the bishop will be present… One of the roles of the service is that she officially makes me the rector, he said. Though symbolic, the service carried weight by involving nearly 70 participants, from clergy and bishop Anne B. Jolly to musicians and choir members.
Richardson explains the Episcopal Church as “reformed Catholic,” noting that it is “very much like our Roman Catholic siblings, but we are independent and autonomous.” He adds that Episcopal dioceses are “sort of like regions,” led by bishops who are “elected by the congregations.”
Music, a defining element of Trinity’s culture, played a prominent role in the celebration. Before the event, Richardson said the program would include “all kinds of really fun things, not limiting ourselves to sacred music. We find the sacred in the secular, and we’re gonna have all kinds of music, from old fashioned hymns to a song by Jewel.”
Meyer, who has been with the church for seven years, noted that this eclectic musical identity is nothing new. “Music has always been such an incredible pillar here at Trinity… and it’s something that Trinity’s been known for,” she said.
Founded in 1842, Trinity Episcopal Church has long been a part of downtown’s architecture. Even during decades of urban decline, the congregation chose not to relocate.
“Back in the ’70s, the congregation had to make some tough choices as to whether they wanted to stay downtown… and they took a vote, and it was a unanimous vote that they were going nowhere,” Meyer said.
Today, much of the church’s energy centers on community and outreach. After the events ceremony, the church provided food and refreshments. Every Sunday, Trinity serves a hot breakfast to anyone in need.
“We’re averaging, I want to say, about 95 people a week. There’s no strings attached. You don’t have to come to church,” Meyer said.
Even more important than the meal, Meyer noted, is the dignity offered through personal connection. “We ask them their name… And so when somebody comes back, the ability to be able to call them by their first name….it may be some of the only interaction some folks get in a given time,” Meyer said.
For Richardson, one of the congregation’s most meaningful strengths is the diversity within worship itself. “One of the things I get most excited about is when we welcome our less secure neighbors in worship… I love the diversity that shows,” he said.
Trinity collaborates with several organizations, including Toledo Streets Newspaper, Actors Collaborative Toledo, Food for Thought pantry, and local artists and musicians who use the space for performances.
Richardson’s path to Trinity began with a search for a community that reflected his values. He recalled first reading the church’s profile. “The first words I saw were progressive, inclusive, creative…and I was like, ‘Ah, these are my people. This is who I should be with.’”
With the Rev. Jon M. Richardson now officially in place as the new rector, Trinity Episcopal Church enters its next era.
