Worship at Holy Trinity Sneyd is definitely modern Catholic – and more or less within the tradition of the Church of England.
The original church stood in Nile Street and a former vicarage stands in Waterloo Road, Cobridge. (Arnold Bennett in ”These Twain” made the observation that “…next door was the dark abode of the high church parson.”) The original church was equally dark and grimy until Father Jim Wilson came along and whitewashed the interior.
The present Holy Trinity is also bright and cheerful – although Christ, the crucified God, is as central to our message as God taking flesh of the Virgin Mary and God rising from the dead on Easter Day. As to the mechanics of our worship, a powerpoint projector (discreetly placed) makes involvement easy for all worshippers.
The music is very varied, combining the English Hymnal with music from many other sources. Catholic ceremonial and doctrine are combined with informality and strong participation by all concerned. The heart of it all is the offering of Our Lord’s eternal sacrifice and our sharing in that offering in Holy Communion. Transubstantiation is taught without qualification.
Holy Trinity Church is in the care of the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, although this does not mean that supporters of women priests are excluded. (One W.P. worships with us on a regular basis.) Like most churches in the Potteries, the congregation is drawn from within the parish and beyond. The original church was nearer the town centre, the present building being the former daughter church. The interior of the church is beautifully furnished and decorated. (The sacrament house, organ case, rood, Majestas, tester, and various shrines all show the influence of George Frederick Bodley and Sir Ninian Comper.)
It is a centre of prayer and fellowship – and is easily available for use by the casual visitor. The main porch is open during the daytime and the vicarage is adjacent to the site.
Built: 1895
Architect: not known – Comper and Bodley inspired
Our Patron: Bishop of Lichfield