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Holy Trinity Heritage Park
Holy Trinity, the first Catholic parish in New Albany, was established in 1836. The current Gothic-style church was built on this site in 1852 under the direction of its founding pastor, the French missionary priest Rev. Louis Francis Neyron. In its earliest years, Holy Trinity’s congregation was primarily French, but as Irish immigrants settled along the Ohio River during the latter part of the 19th century, the parish became widely known as “the Irish Church.” Throughout its 139-year history, Holy Trinity has remained a cornerstone of faith and community in New Albany, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and enduring devotion of its parishioners.
Holy Trinity’s historic church was destroyed by a devastating fire at 4:30 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 1975, bringing an end to more than 120 years of worship in the Gothic landmark. More than 2,000 devoted parishioners, along with fellow citizens, mourned the loss of one of New Albany’s most treasured historic churches. The foundation stones, brass bells and other remnants of the church building have been maintained on the site, known as Holy Trinity Heritage Court since 1977.
Following the fire, members of the parish joined nearby Catholic communities, including St. Mary’s of the Annunciation. In 1977, former parishioners used funds from the church’s insurance settlement to establish Holy Trinity Heritage Court, planting 150 trees on the site to honor the parish’s rich history and lasting legacy. Bricks, stones, and the church’s bronze bells remained on the property, which was maintained by St. Mary’s for many years until the Holy Trinity property was gifted to St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities in 2011.
Construction On a Park Begins
A seven-phase renovation plan, including turning the former rectory building into agency offices, expanding the shelters, completing affordable supportive housing units and building a distribution center on campus began in 2012. All of these projects were completed to meet the needs of St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities programs and restore the unique features of the historic preservation district. Holy Trinity Heritage Park represented the final phase of that plan.
In the spring of 2017, work began on Holy Trinity Heritage Park with the goal of preserving meaningful and treasured elements of the original church while creating a beautiful, welcoming green space for residents and the entire community to enjoy. The park features a water feature with a bronze sculpture, benches crafted from the church’s original stone windowsills, the prominent display of the iconic Holy Trinity brass bells and original historic plaque, and artwork incorporating the church’s beautifully refurbished stained glass, ensuring that the legacy of Holy Trinity continues to inspire future generations.
Grand Opening Of The Park
Holy Trinity Heritage Park officially opened in September 2017 with a celebratory Mass and ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of a project dedicated to honoring the legacy of Holy Trinity Church. Located on the campus of St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities at 702 E. Market Street in New Albany, the park has revitalized the 700 block of East Market Street, enhancing the neighborhood’s curb appeal while providing a peaceful gathering place where visitors can reflect on the site’s rich history and enduring significance.
Additional Features
Additional elements have been added since 2017, including placement of church cornerstones at the four corners of the park, the use of three foundation stones to serve as a new sign for St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities, an Indiana limestone sculpture by artist William Kolok titled “Flee”, a travertine sidewalk, and a entrance way incorporating an original arched stained glass window from Holy Trinity Church.
Holy Trinity Heritage Park Today
Today, Holy Trinity Heritage Park remains a cherished gathering place for the New Albany community. St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities is proud to have transformed this historic site into a beautiful space that honors the legacy of Holy Trinity Church, preserving its history while creating a place for reflection, remembrance, and community for generations to come.
Learn About The Reclaimed Historical Features of The Park
St. Elizabeth Sign
St. Elizabeth Sign
The St. Elizabeth sign in front of our office building was made from three of the foundation stones from the original church.
Arch
Arch
Unveiled in 2022 after two years in the making, the park’s entrance arch offers a reverent connection to Holy Trinity Church. A local artist with Stained Glass Gallery, LLC collaborated with Ben Heck of Heck’s Metal Works to incorporate an original arched stained glass window that survived the 1975 fire.
Fountain
Fountain
The park’s fountain combines the peaceful movement of water with a bronze sculpture of a little girl and three prominent stones in the middle of the fountain. The three stones symbolize the Holy Trinity.
Cornerstones
Cornerstones
The original cornerstones of Holy Trinity Church have been placed at each corner of the park, preserving the footprint and memory of the historic church. Each is flanked by three hydrangea bushes representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Stained Glass Windows
Stained Glass Windows
Beautiful stained glass windows preserved from Holy Trinity Church have been carefully refurbished, allowing pieces of the historic church to live on.
Benches
Benches
The park’s benches were crafted from the original stone windowsills of Holy Trinity Church, giving these historic pieces new life as a place for rest and reflection.
Bells
Brass Bells
The original brass bells from Holy Trinity Church are displayed alongside their historic plaque and other features preserved from the church. One bell still bears visible signs of the devastating 1975 fire, with a portion slightly melted by the intense heat.
Learn More About Our Park Sculptures
Press on the image of the sculpture for more information
When I Was Hungry And Thirsty
Fruit of Thy Womb
"Flee"
"Wonder"
