Trinity Society celebrates 132 years of spiritual growth 

Elliot Ziwira-Senior Writer

Hitting a momentous milestone, Trinity Methodist Church, will tomorrow celebrate 132 years of spiritual growth, community service, and cultural adaptation.

Established in 1891 by pioneering missionaries Reverand Owen Watkins and Reverend Isaac Shimmin, the church has evolved into a vibrant, inclusive institution, deeply rooted in Zimbabwe’s spiritual and social fabric.

As the historical anniversary reaches the homestretch, Bishop Edmore Chiota of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, yesterday said all is set for the grand occasion.

He extolled the Lord Almighty for guiding the church for the past 132 years, saying “bringing souls to Christ is not a joke”.

“Generations have come and gone. We anticipate the climax of our celebrations tomorrow at Trinity Methodist Church in Harare,” he said.

Bishop Chiota underlined that the role of the church is the propagation of the gospel, promotion of peace, and advocation of Christian social responsibility, among others. 

“In liaison with the Government, the Church promotes the education and healthcare sectors for the betterment of the livelihoods of communities,” he said.

Various activities have been lined up pre-celebration, including the blood donation day, health expo and soup kitchen.

“On Sunday we will have the main service, which will be graced by presiding Bishop George Mawire. Also, a foundation stone will be laid amid powerful praise and worship,” said Bishop Chiota.

The church outlined in a statement yesterday that the story of Trinity Society began with the arrival of Rev Watkins and Rev Shimmin from Transvaal, South Africa, in 1891. Zealous to spread the Word of God based on the Wesleyan doctrine, they laid the foundation stone of the first English church on Queen Victoria Street (now Mbuya Nehanda Street) on March 26, 1892.

This historic event marked the birth of Trinity Society Church.

Cecil John Rhodes, through the British South Africa Company (BSAC), allocated land in Salisbury for the first Methodist mission station in September 1891. The first parsonage was built around 1891-1892.

As the congregation grew, following the first synod presided over by Rev George Weavind in 1895, the church expanded, establishing a brick church in Mbare to serve the local African population. This church later evolved into the 3pm Shona service at Trinity.

In 1925, land was acquired for the current Trinity Methodist Church in Central Avenue, with plans for a larger church approved in 1926. Fundraising efforts yielded significant donations, including £550 from Rev Noble and £200 from Mr Fereday, and many other faithful believers committed to the expansion and spread of Methodism. The church hall was built first, hosting events before the church’s completion.

The current church officially opened on November 2, 1952.

Over the years, Trinity Society has undertaken significant renovations, including the partitioning of the Small Hall in 1972, thus creating space for Sunday school classes. To ensure structural integrity, the church was reroofed between 2006 and 2010. The driveway was also resurfaced in 2017 to enhance accessibility.

Other renovations included construction of the kitchen and office block through Ruwadzano Fundraising efforts. Under Rev J.J Masendeke’s leadership, ablution facilities were also revamped from 2008 to 2013.

To accommodate the overgrowing membership, a tent was installed to shelter overflow congregants.

Trinity Society became a hub for creating other societies, circuits, and districts across the country. Early offshoots included congregations in Mbare, Harare (formerly Salisbury), and surrounding areas. Inspired leadership and partnerships nurtured Methodism’s growth, making Trinity an embodiment of spiritual and social development.

For 132 years, Trinity’s journey of faith has been tremendous, bringing souls to the fold and nurturing countless lives. A monument of Methodism, it has remained a crucial historical and spiritual landmark, emblazoned in the future through commitment to sustainable growth.

This year’s celebrations, therefore, mark more than a historical journey, but an unceasing mission to glorify the Almighty God and expand His kingdom.

In 1977, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe gained autonomy, transitioning from European to African leadership under Rev Andrew Ndhlela. Trinity Society became self-governing, self-supporting, and self-directing, independent of the British Methodist Conference’s oversight.

As a result, localised leadership and worship styles emerged. Rev Chrispen Mazobere became Trinity’s first black minister, replacing Rev Beecroft, as the church selected leaders, organised meetings, managed finances, and conducted fellowship classes independently—making it self-sustainable.

This period also marked cultural worship and adaptation as traditional African elements, like ululation, drums, and hosho (rattles), were incorporated. This enculturation of the gospel through use of indigenous tools, appealed to the spiritual and physical needs of local communities.

Through autonomy, the Trinity Society was remarkably transformed. New societies, including urban Harare and Mazowe in Mashonaland Central Province, emerged, while local clergymen were empowered. Financial independence also marked a break with the past, which opened up new avenues for self-sustenance.

Notably, the past 47 years have been significant in Trinity’s development at the centre of which was autonomy—transmuting the society into a wholly African congregation, enhancing spiritual growth, self-reliance, and a style of worship rooted in local communities.

As has been highlighted earlier on, Trinity Society played a pivotal role in the growth of other societies and circuits in Harare, Mazowe, Greendale, Chiweshe, Hatcliffe, and Domboshava, among others. In response to soaring numbers of congregants, worship spaces were expanded through establishment of an overflow tent at Trinity Methodist Church and acquisition of resources, like a public address system. 

As more societies sprouted, so did the gap for ministerial housing grew, hence the Gweshe Manse Project of 2012-2014. To facilitate evangelism and administration, the church embarked on circuit vehicle projects from 2013 to 2014, and 2022.

Trinity Society has demonstrated commitment to community welfare, including response to the devastating Cyclone Idai of 2019. The society mobilised resources and volunteers for victims of the cyclone.

Other initiatives in education and healthcare provision over the past 132 years have demonstrated the church’s devotion to holistic ministry—serving both the spiritual and physical needs of society.

Celebrating Trinity Society Church’s 132-year milestone is a significant occasion, honouring its remarkable history, contributions and enduring impact on Zimbabwe’s spiritual and social landscape.

It is pertinent to celebrate the rich historical legacy embodied in Trinity. As one of the country’s earliest Methodist congregations, established in 1892, Trinity Society has witnessed and adapted to monumental societal changes, including colonialism, independence and church autonomy.

It has been a spiritual home for generations, offering multilingual worship services and diverse ministries, which saw Methodism spreading countrywide.

The way Trinity Society transitioned into an indigenous-led church, embracing cultural diversity, post-autonomy in 1977, is worth celebrating. 

Furthermore, its nurturing of leaders significantly contributed to the Methodist Church and broader society. The church’s commitment to corporate social responsibility through establishment of clinics and schools as well as response to disasters cannot be overemphasised.

For over a century, Trinity Society showed notable pliability—adapting to changing times, while staying true to its mission.

Considering the passage of time, and how the church has remained consistent, the 132-year landmark is a celebration of the past, present and future.

As the church stresses in its statement, honouring the past acknowledges founders, leaders and the faithful, who shaped Trinity’s journey, and revelling in the present recognises current achievements in worship, ministry and community impact.

In the tripartite, the future is inspired by the commitment to legacy for posterity. 

The Wesleyan mission is a spiritual heritage worth upholding and celebrating, for it has positively impacted communities in terms of worship, leadership development and social upliftment.

Ultimately, as a symbol of perseverance, and a paragon of the expansion of Methodism, Trinity Society’s 132-year celebration honours God’s faithfulness and believers’ dedication. It is a milestone that inspires future generations to continue treading the path of faith, service and spiritual growth.