Barker Hall

Railroad car heiress and philanthropist Catherine Barker Hickox built Barker Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church in 1929 as a memorial to her father and his children. Since then Barker Hall has been at the center of Michigan City’s social and cultural life hosting events as varied as opera, rock and roll concerts, corporate dinners, and wedding receptions.

Much of the architecture, light fixtures, furniture, art, even the fine China available for use at Barker Hall, remains original, dating from 1929 when Catherine Barker Hickox donated it to the city. The facility continues to be available to the community at reasonable rates fulfilling the intent of Catherine Barker Hickox that Barker Hall be “dedicated to the people”. The Great Hall offers dinner seating for 180 and concert seating for 400. Events can include wedding receptions, theatrical plays, concerts, banquets, meetings and more. Full-service catering provided by Great Lakes Catering and wedding and party planning services are available; and a motorized stair lift is able to transport disabled guests to the second floor.

For smaller events, the Bishop’s Mansion offers an elegant venue with seating up to 40. This site offers all of the same historic elegance in a home type setting which is perfect for showers, rehearsals or even small meetings.

Anyone interested in renting or touring or visiting Barker Hall or the Bishop’s Mansion, 600 Franklin St., should call (219) 874-4355.

Barker Hall

Thrift Shop

For nearly 90 years the Women of Trinity have operated a thrift shop in the basement of Barker Hall. Items donated by parishoners and friends are sold at affordable prices, generating  a very important means of income.  The WOT uses this money to support church needs  and other worthy causes within the community.   Originally, just one room, the shop now has expanded into three rooms, enabling us to offer more and diverse goods to customers.  Originally a mission to help those who might not be able to afford more costly clothing or housewares, the thrift shop now appeals to all who seek value at a lower price, collectors, or those who are interested in reusing, renewing or recycling.  We believe we have the “best prices in town”, and strive to constantly update our merchandise.  We welcome donations of new or gently used clothing, housewares, decorative items or small items of furniture.  Volunteers to work at the thrift shop are always welcome, with the hope that additional workers can help us to expand our hours of operation, which currently are Saturdays, 9-11 am. Contact the church office for more information on the thrift shop or to volunteer.

Trinity Thrift Shop

Music Program

The Adult Choir at Trinity is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your worship experience. Do not be concerned if you are not a great singer or cannot read music! Members run the gamut of ability but what we share is the joy of joining our voices together in songs of worship. What is needed is the desire to sing and attend practice.

If you are interested in the adult  music program please contact the church office.

Music Program

Trinity Community Food Pantry

Open every other Wednesday from 11 am to 1 pm:

Our mission is to educate the community and provide those in need with nutritious food in a dignified, friendly and caring manner.

Eliminating hunger in our community remains the central focus of the Food Pantry. It has been in existence since the late 1990’s and a qualified member of the USDA’s distribution network since 2008. This means that we take seriously the federal requirements regarding equal access and full regard for civil and human rights.

Donors are crucial to the helping of the Michigan City residents. More than 20 tons of food come to us through different programs as well and from members of the church and community through food and monetary donations. If you would like to know how to donate please contact our church office.

The pantry cannot operate without volunteers. If you would like to volunteer to help acquire or distribute food or assist in any capacity please contact our church office. There is always a need to continue to help those in need within our own community.

Food Pantry

Pet Vaccination Clinic

For several years Trinity has sponsored annual or biannual low cost pet vaccination clinics in the lobby of Barker Hall.  These are held in the spring and fall and are open to all.  Dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies and other contagious diseases at a reasonable cost, helping pet owners comply with the city and county ordinances requiring such immunizations.  A licensed veterinarian provides the vaccinations.  Hundreds of animals have been vaccinated at these clinics, no doubt saving many lives, and saving pet owners from unaffordable costs which would otherwise make this service impossible.  If you have more questions about this program or wish to volunteer your time, please contact the church office.

Pet Vaccination Clinic

Join Our Community

We encourage all who can to volunteer and get involved in our downtown church community.