In the 1860's, the Earl of Radnor had elaborate plans for the development of the west end of Folkestone. In 1868, the first stage in the building of Holy Trinity, entirely paid for by the Earl was completed. The architect, Ewan Christian, drew up the plans. The Vicarage was built next door in 1870, and extensions to the Church were added, including a tower and spire in 1888.
The congregation expanded under Canon F.C. Woodhouse, Vicar from 1885-1905, who with his second wife was a great benefactor of the Church. Fine furnishings were installed including the reredos (Clayton and Bell), the sanctuary ceiling painting and much of the stained glass. In the late Victorian and early Edwardian era, well-to-do visitors and residents flocked to the town. Holy Trinity seems to have been a popular Church. Indeed, shortage of space led to the adding of choir and clergy vestries in 1913.
The First World War had a profound effect with many of the Congregation leaving the town and many of the larger houses being requisitioned for military purposes.Gradually the Congregation returned after the War but society had radically changed.
Nevertheless, under Canon W.H. Elliott (Vicar, 1918-1929), additions such as the ambone lectern, the alabaster pulpit in memory of those in the parish who had died in the 1914-18 War, and decoration of the All Saints Chapel were completed. Plans for building the south porch were also drawn up.
From the start, the Church had gained a reputation for its choir and high musical standards. This was further enhanced under the Choirmaster, W.C. Luttman, in the 1920's. Moreover, Canon W.H. Elliott was a preacher of renown and services were broadcast regularly on radio, possibly one of the first churches from which services were broadcast. A literary and musical Society, the Bouverie Society, was founded and flourished, the Church engaging lecturers and musicians including Sir Leonard Woolley, Forbes Robertson, Myra Hesse, Cortot, and Schnabel. These lectures and concerts were held at the Grand Hotel, Leas Cliff Hall and Pleasure Gardens Theatre.
Canon Watkins, Vicar from 1929-1941, encouraged the Congregation to support the building of St George's Church Hall to serve the needs of the new housing built at the west end of Shorncliffe Road. This was opened in 1938 - see the history of St George's Church on this site.
Church life was drastically affected by the outbreak of the Second World War as most of the population was compulsorily evacuated from the town. The Vicar's income, which was derived from pew rents, dropped dramatically and it was decided to close Holy Trinity Church. Canon Cook, the Vicar of Christ Church, a nearby Church, looked after the Holy Trinity Congregation who remained, becoming Priest in Charge of the parish in 1941. The destruction of Christ Church from an enemy air attack in 1942 resulted in the re-opening of Holy Trinity and subsequently the two parishes were merged.
After the war, work gradually took place to repair damage to Holy Trinity Church - the result of high explosive bombs falling near the Church in 1940. By 1979, all the stained glass windows that had been destroyed in the sanctuary and north side of the Church had been replaced. The Church now boasts a collection of Victorian glass, a William Morris and Co window, and fine examples of twentieth century glass from the studios of J.E. Nuttgens, AK Nicholson, and Canterbury Cathedral Glassworks.
The original organ was replaced in 1888 by one built by Bishop and Son. It had several overhauls and was reconstructed in 1966 by JW Walker & Son.