Located in Sandgate Road, with a view of France from the top of the unusual octagonal tower, Holy Trinity Church has a commanding position in the town of Folkestone. It was built by the then Lord Radnor in 1868 as part of the planned expansion of the town, his policy being to build a Church every quarter of a mile as the town expanded, so that everyone could walk to Church. Does such a policy exist anywhere in the world today?
The Church is built of brick with Kentish rag cornerstones, and has clerestory windows, which give the church a light feel. It has some exceptional stained-glass windows, including a series depicting the 12 'I am' sayings of Jesus, and, an apse, which has been magnificently restored for the Millennium.
The Church, which is in excellent repair, can seat 800, and is open every day of the week under the care of a full-time Verger, Wendy Parsons. Keeping the Church open during the week for prayer and fellowship is an important part of our mission. An exciting project is under consideration to reorder the nave by removing four rows of pews, improving the lighting and making the entrance to the Church more welcoming. The building is listed Grade 2 and it is a very popular venue for weddings.
Quarterly parade services are held, attended by our Church Uniformed Organisations, while RAFA holds its annual service at the Church attended by civic dignitaries, in addition to other special services.
We use the Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New while our choir of men, boys and girls sings traditional anthems and psalms. As well as providing the musical leadership of services, the choir is used as a form of outreach to local schools. Our Organist and Choirmaster, Tim Parsons, arranges weekly summer organ recitals under the auspices of the "Friends of the Music". They give enthusiastic support and also help raise funds for the upkeep of our fine organ.