Looking back over the years and through the record books we can see that there are several family names appearing in the early part of the 1900's that are still sitting in the pews.  The oldest family, of course, is the Charles K. Landis family; here we find that his descendent, John Landis, is a current member of the Vestry.  John's son, Matthew, held the position of Music Director for a short time. Charles K. Landis' nephew, Judge Charles I. Landis of Lancaster, PA was also related to the Eshelman, Hamilton, McCann-Kesler, and Fulcher families.

Another family, Callahan (Hugh and Elizabeth), had three of their six children baptized in 1911.  All of the children received Communion and some were married here.  Most have passed on to a greater glory. Elizabeth, age 97, the last of the girls, passed on in 2005 after spending the last two years residing at Bishop McCarthy Residence.  As of January, 2006, her husband, Joseph Scott, still lives in their home in Newfield.

Then there were the Daplyn girls, Marge DiBiaso and Betty Costanza, who moved to Vineland in 1922 and have been active at Trinity all these years.  They raised three sons between them who were baptized, confirmed and attended Sunday School and youth group here at Trinity.  Betty has since passed on, but Marge still attends Sunday Services whenever possible.

George L. and Edna Y. Eshelman and their daughter, Esther, age nine, came to Vineland in 1923; George taught Sunday School for many years prior to his death in 1933.  Esther was very active in her youth with the "Campfire Girls", St. Mary's Hall, and Sunday School.  She married Francis John Hamilton whose father, Samuel was the sexton in the 1950's and 60's.  his step-mother Anna was also active with the Altar Guild, St. Martha's, and numerous projects around the Church.  She is especially remembered for re-covering all the pew cushions back in the early 1950's.  Esther and Frank had four children, Marjorie, Nancy, Frances, and George.  Daughter Fran has also been a very active member throughout her lifetime.  She enjoyed youth group, St. Mary's Hall, Medford Lake retreats, and Convocation meetings.  After her children were born she also served as Treasurer of the Sunday School, President of St. Martha's, member of St. Agnes and worked on numerous Church projects.  She is currently serving as a Vestry member.  Fran's three children, John McCann, Jr., Michael McCann, and Shanna Fulcher were all Baptized and Confirmed at Trinity in the 1960's and 70's.  Daughter Shanna, her husband Chris, and children Ashley and Jaison are deeply involved in Sunday School activities.  Five generations! As of January, 2006, Esther, age 91, resides at Bishop McCarthy Residence.

On Christmas Eve 1914, Walter E. Smith and Margaret B. Craig were married at Trinity.  Their son, Walter Eliot, Jr. was born in 1919 and, of course, baptized and confirmed; growing up to be a responsible member of the congregation.  "Elliot" joined Joe Lyons as auditor then took on the task of Treasurer.  Elliot's wife, Virginia, currently serves as Treasurer of St. Martha's Guild.

A very interesting entry was the baptism of Eva Marie Saint (movie actress famous in the 1950's), born July 4, 1924 and baptized September 7, 1924.  There was no other mention of her, but we surmise she was visiting her grandparents at that time; their last name was Rice.

There are many families who have been continuously attending since the 1930's; Tom Wallace Jr. (deceased), his wife Gertrude, their four children and grandchildren. Fritz Von Reuter (whose Father, Carl was a member of Trinity Men's Club) , Tony and Marie (Gebhardt) Mattalucci (now deceased), Barbara (Roth) Antonini and Patricia Packer, and Grace Federici.

We have been through many trying times over the years, both financially and spiritually.  God has been good.  He has sent us capable priests, caring, generous and skillful parishioners who are willing to share their talents and bounty, and to minister to the needs of the parish.

Trinity is a fine, old Gothic church following the Episcopal traditions and Rites. We are also known for having the only set of Clarrion Bells in Vineland. It is also very progressive in thinking and using current Praise and Worship music along with the good old hymns.  Sunday School and Vacation Bible School lessons are lively, fun and joyful.  Adult discussion groups are thought provoking and spiritual.

Folks come together here in a loving, caring community.  Thanks be to God!

 

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