Smithtown, A History: Local Church Celebrates Centennial

The Trinity African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church stands on the corner of New York Avenue and Wildwood Lane. More than a charming building, this quaint church is an example of Smithtown's diverse history.

Most residents of Smithtown remember Trinity as the white church with the pretty red doors. The Reverend Brenda Ford says they're still there behind the enclosed porch.    

"Anyone should feel welcome to enter God's house," Ford said, adding that many people say they would love to come to see the church but are hesitant and that all can visit.

Trinity has been noted in publications such as Noel Gish's "Smithtown New York 1660-1929: Looking Back through the Lens." While the building itself has only been standing for 100 years, the history of the location dates back to the 1800s when freed slaves would meet on the property of the Smith family to discuss local events and concerns.

It was 1910 when a structure was built by descendents of the freed slaves. The only church organized by African-Americans, it was originally a simple barn-like building with no steeple or bell, and it was heated by a single coal stove.

Back in 1931, the church was sold by Isadora Smith for a dollar to the A.M.E. church of Smithtown. Shortly after in 1932 the name was changed to Bethel, and the cornerstone was laid for what would become the church we see today.

Through the decades, the once brown shingles of the church were changed to white and then to aluminum siding. A bell tower was added in later years, however was then closed when the aluminum siding was added.

By the mid-60s the church was abandoned, until one day when A.M.E. Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols stopped by the building and found local teenagers cleaning and painting. Reverend Benjamin J. McDaniel had enlisted the teens' help. The church was reopened and the name changed to Trinity.

Ford started at Trinity in 2008 and is the church's first woman pastor.  She says Smithtown is a great place to have a church, and the members are active within the community with a food pantry and floral club.

Plans are in the works to reopen the bell tower, and Ford is also planning to add a handicap ramp. In the spring she is hoping to plant a prayer garden and put a labyrinth on the grounds.

Trinity will be celebrating its Centennial on November 6, 2010 at the Smithtown Landing Country Club. The gala ball will commemorate Trinity's firm roots in the Smithtown area as the congregation looks forward to the future.