St. Michael's Church History: Post Revolutionary Period -- 1800's

St. Michael’s Church was reopened on January 4, 1783. The most pressing matter was the deterioration that the building had undergone as a result of neglect and hard usage during the war. A committee was appointed to ascertain what repairs were necessary to make the building decently habitable. The church received income from various sources such as pew-rents, and money left in wills to address these needs.

In the early days of the war, St. Michael’s Church bell had been removed to prevent it being made into bullets. When the war ended, it could not be rehung in the still damaged church, so the bell was given to the Trenton Academy, where it remained for many years. It is believed to have been returned in 1822, but in 1891 or 1892, was presented to the Chapel of the Theological Seminary of Virginia, as the belfry which had fallen into disrepair was targeted for replacement with the new parish house.

During the 1800’s, St. Michael’s congregation solidified while the building underwent numerous improvements. Mission work was emphasized at this time. In the 1840’s a school for German immigrant children was established. In the 1860’s, St. Michael’s was a refuge for African American freedom seekers. A colored classroom was in operation and lay women gathered clothing for the needy. African Americans have been listed as congregants since the late 1820’s which has served as the foundation of St. Michael’s rich tradition of a diverse congregation which thrives even to this day. Numerous Episcopal missions were started by St. Michael’s Church, giving it the name “the mother church of Trenton.”