A Brief History
 of Trinity

Trinity Church on German Street was under construction for five years being consecrated by Bishop Johns on April 5, 1859. However, the church's history actually began in 1745 when the original "Old English Church," a log chapel, was erected by old Frederick Parish. When Shepherdstown (Mecklenburg) was incorporated in 1762, Church Street was named for the building. The log chapel was replaced by a stone building in 1769.  Known as "Mecklenburg Chapel," the building fell into neglect caused by the Revolution and disestablishment of the Church in Virginia. In 1815 the church was rebuilt by the first vestry of the newly created St. Andrew's Parish. Enlargement of the structure took place in 1840-42.

Because the 1842 church was soon deemed too small, the Rev. Dr. C.W. Andrews led a movement to build the new church on German Street. It was built at a cost of about $10,000. A substantial amount was given by Rezin D. Shepherd, who later threatened to involve the vestry in a legal battle with the town over his wish to move the church clock to the town hall (McMurran Hall). The matter was settled and the clock removed and stored, pending completion of the town hall. A few months later, John Brown's raid took place. After the Civil War, the chapel adjacent to the church was built again undethe rectorship of Dr. Andrews.

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