There's trouble at Trinity United Church

Image of fundraising goals of the Trinity United Church. Submitted.

By Cecilia Nasmith

While 2024 was the 200th anniversary of Cobourg's Trinity United Church, there is the potential for its demise in 2026.

Stewardship Committee member Christine Rabey acknowledges that such a thought does not seem possible.

“It's been an important part of the community for a very long time,” Rabey said in an interview this week.

Even that red brick building across the street, she added – once the church's Sunday school building, it was home to Cobourg Public Library for many years until they got their own building on Ontario Street 30 years ago.

Rabey recalls her recent move from Etobicoke, and how much it meant to her to find a United Church in her now community.

“I felt so immediately welcomed by the people, so happy to find this lovely place, and shocked to find it's in such financial distress.”

The news is hard to believe when Trinity still has beautiful services, wonderful music and so many community events (like concerts by La Jeunesse, including last spring's tribute concert for choir co-founder Marie Anderson).

They are between ministers just now, but they still have a wonderful service every week thanks to a rotation of fantastic substitute preachers.

The amazing organ they purchased five years ago is now part of an extaordinary musical ministry overseen by accomplished musician Debbie Fingas that includes a handbell choir, a children's choir and a thriving adult choir.

There is still that wonderful spirit when people stay for coffee after the service, Rabey added, “chatting and having that feeling of community.”

While attendance at some services is disappointing, she said, the special services – like the ones during Advent or Lenten Seasons – still draw healthy-sized congregations.

“It's definitely been a big topic of conversation over the last couple of months as the financial situation has become apparent to everyone,” Rabey noted.

Nevertheless, the church council meeting in November brought the news that there is the potential to run out of money by the third quarter of 2026. At this point, it would take draining every asset the church possesses to go through the end of 2027.

A campaign to get the word out has ensued. People entering the church may notice the display that has been mounted depicting the church's monthly expenses in the form of a little man climbing a mountain.

And the stewardship council is finding ways to spread the word beyond the church.

There is a renewed focus on making the church a place where everyone feels welcome, where people want to come for special events, or maybe a venue to keep in mind when people are planning special events - “and, of course, encouraging people to attend and donate and take advantage of all Trinity has to offer, and let them know there's still lots going on, even between ministers, while we are in this period.

“I am invested on a number of levels with wanting them to remain an open and thriving place in our community. I am sure there are other members of the Northumberland County who value TUC, not just as a place of worship in which all are welcome, but also as a hub for community events and performances.

“And if we can get the word out to people, they may be willing to offer support to keep the doors open.”

Those doors are open at 10:30 a.m. each week for Sunday services.

And as you plan your Christmas observances, remember that Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. is their Service of Light and Hope, a time to uplift those who may be feeling low at this time of year.

There are two Christmas Eve services. A 4 p.m. family service will feature a pageant and music from the children and youth of the congregation, while a 9 p.m. candlelight and communion service will showcase the chancel choir and handbell choir.

You can follow all the latest updates on Instagram and Facebook at @trinityunitedchurchcobourg

And anyone who wants to show their support with a donation can do so by e-transfer at donate@trinitycobourg.ca -and the church will gladly issue tax-deductible receipts for donation.