Church as Shelter

My Journal - Agatha Nolen

The Church of the Holy Trinity is a historic Episcopal Church in downtown Nashville just blocks from the Rescue Mission. It was established in 1852 as a "free" church for Black Episcopalians in the area known as South Nashville. It was listed on the National Historic Register in 1972 and will celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2027.

In preparation for a year of celebrations, Rector Bill Dennler has started a new worship service at 5pm on Saturday evenings. With the growth of both music venues and condominiums in the area, we hope that people will participate in a traditional Episcopal liturgy at the new time.

Our first Saturday evening service was this past Saturday, and I was honored to be the lector, appointed to read the Old and New Testament readings. As I started on the reading from Deuteronomy, I realized I had some competition to be heard both by those in attendance and those on-line. The noise was coming from a "pedal tavern" passing by on Sixth Avenue South.

For my readers who are not from Nashville, a "pedal tavern" is a tourist attraction where a group of 10-20 people rent a party bike and pedal their way through Nashville as they drink, sing songs, and listen to a guide who takes them on a lively tour, usually sharing secrets from Broadway's legendary Honky Tonks. Rev. Dennler tells me that the church is on the route for all the pedal taverns as there is a popular liquor store just up the street.

I could hear the music but couldn't recognize the tune. I could tell it wasn't good background music for a reading from Deuteronomy.

But, It was strangely comforting that amidst our noisy, chaotic world, I was relishing in a familiar liturgy among friends.

Although I relish my time in silent retreats, it is always a worship service that is right in the middle of the world’s chaos that nourishes me the most.

Come join us. An oasis in the desert at 5PM every Saturday.

Blessings, my friend,
Agatha

Address:
Church of the Holy Trinity
615 Sixth Ave. South
Nashville, TN 37203