Children have been part of Trinity Baptist Church’s story from the beginning.
When the church first gathered in January 1956, Sunday School was part of that first Sunday. Within weeks, Sunday School officers and teachers had been elected, and by May of that same year, the church was already making plans for more classroom space.
The need was practical and immediate. Trinity voted to accept a Quonset Hut from Hugh Shaw and William Bass to relieve the very crowded Sunday School classroom situation. That summer, from June 8 through June 20, the church held its first Vacation Bible School, with Mrs. S. H. Whitworth serving as principal.
Two years later, a report in the Biblical Recorder showed how strongly Vacation Bible School had become part of Trinity’s ministry. In 1958, the school enrolled 118 pupils and faculty members, with an average daily attendance of 100.
As the years continued, children’s ministry grew in new ways.
On November 22, 1974, Trinity began a weekday Preschool program serving three-year-olds and four-year-olds. In December 1979, the church approved a recommendation for the Weekday Preschool Program to become an official church program. In February 1980, Mary Ann Hipp was recommended as director.
Trinity also continued to develop staff leadership for children’s ministry. In 1988, Rev. Ann Charles-Craft was called to serve in a new part-time position as Minister with Children. In 1991, Rev. Mary Lou Beck became the full-time minister of children. Karen Metcalf was later called as Minister of Children and Preschool and began serving on May 1, 1993. On March 3, 1996, Trinity ordained Karen Metcalf, Minister to Children, in a special service.
The names and dates matter because they show a continuing commitment. Across the decades, Trinity made space, called leaders, organized programs, and supported ministry for children and families.
The anniversary book describes the goal of children’s ministry today in a warm and practical way: not only teaching lessons or planning activities, but encouraging curiosity about Jesus in the middle of real life and real relationships.
That spirit can be seen in ministries such as Vacation Bible School, Friends Camp, hands-on mission projects, and the RAGA Race. These ministries give children opportunities to hear Bible stories, worship, serve others, build friendships, and see faith lived out in community.
Children’s ministry is never only about children. It involves parents, grandparents, teachers, volunteers, staff members, and a whole church family willing to make room for the next generation.
From crowded Sunday School classrooms in 1956 to the children and families who gather today, Trinity’s story includes a steady thread of welcome, teaching, service, and care for children.
Read More in 70 Years at Trinity
This story was drawn from 70 Years at Trinity: February 5, 1956 – May 3, 2026, prepared in celebration of the seventieth anniversary of Trinity Baptist Church.
For more about Trinity’s early Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Preschool, and Children’s Ministry, see pages 77–81 of the anniversary book.
