Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

1906

Building History

Holy Trinity Church was the first structure built to house Greek Orthodox worship in the United States and played a central role in the development of the Greek community in New England.

Greek immigrants began arriving in Lowell in large numbers in the 1890s. In order to preserve their Greek heritage, the immigrants organized “The Washington-Acropolis Society” and a Greek minister was secured. The Holy Trinity Church was incorporated in 1900, and they hired Lowell architect Henry L. Rourke to build a building for religious services. The building was built in 1906, and in 1909 began a Greek school in the basement of the church. 

The Holy Trinity Church is a Byzantine-style building with a Greek cross plan with ridge roofs. The walls are made of yellow-toned brick, and at the crossing of the nave is a gilded dome on a sixteen-sided base and yellow-toned brick drum. The main façade facing Lewis Street has two square bell towers joined by a round arch bridge. The bridge is topped with a triangular pediment, while the towers have octagonal enclosed bell cupolas.

Inside the church is written Greek orthodox iconography done in the Renaissance style by German artist G. Rinkelin and restored in 1965. An iconostasis screens alter from the congregation.

Preservation and Reuse

The Holy Trinity Church has been in continuous use as a Greek Orthodox Church since its construction in 1906 and serves the still vibrant Greek community of Lowell.  The exterior recently underwent an extensive restoration including masonry wall, slate roof, and window repairs.

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