Our History

Officially founded in Paris in 1859, Holy Trinity was the first American Episcopal church established outside the United States. Its expatriate congregation met first in various Protestant chapels in the city, then built a small church on rue Bayard, which it quickly outgrew. In 1881, construction began on today’s soaring Gothic Revival structure, following a design by master architect George Edmund Street. An overflowing crowd attended the first service there on September 12th, 1886, officiated by Rev. John Brainerd Morgan.

A black and white photo of the sacristy in the early 1900s

Consecrated as a cathedral on March 18th, 1923, Holy Trinity became the seat of the Bishop-in-Charge of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, which counts nine parishes and a dozen missions and congregations. The American Cathedral in Paris is commemorating its centennial this year, looking at the past through a theme of its journey towards inclusion, and leaning into a future of faith, love, and charity.

From its earliest days, Holy Trinity has offered support and assistance to those in need, whether American, French or of any other nationality. During past times of conflict, the church has given aid to wounded soldiers, refugees, and orphans, providing leadership through collection and donation distribution centers, among other projects.

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