Foundation History
The seeds of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Foundation were planted more than 40 years ago, following the 1966 Parish stewardship canvas. As is often the case in our church and most others, there were significant budget challenges facing our Christian community, prompting Jim Salter to talk with Rector Earle Page about starting a foundation to act as a financial complement to the annual church budget. Salter describes the calling he felt to undertake this effort during one of Father Page’s sermons as a watershed moment in his life. Certainly it was a bright moment in the history of Holy Trinity Parish.
In 1968 the Holy Trinity Episcopal Foundation was born. The first slate of trustees included seventeen members of the Parish, including The Rev. Page and Jim Salter. Since its inception the size and makeup of the Foundation’s board of trustees has varied, but it has always included – by by-law – the current Rector and Senior Warden of our Parish in order to provide an active representation of the Vestry.
As the Foundation’s assets have grown over the years and it has become more of an integral supporter of our Parish budget, it has become more and more necessary to provide as much transparency as possible to the members of the Parish. During The Rev. David Pittman’s tenure as Rector, those efforts at transparency increased, and interim Rector The Rev. Kerry Robb helped the Foundation understand the need to make all its year-end financial information available in the church office. During The Rev. Loch’s tenure the Foundation continues to work toward being as transparent as possible (while still respecting any desire for donor confidentiality), and this website is a further move in that direction. You can access the Foundation’s latest audited financial report and IRS tax information (Form 990) here.
Over the years what started with a meager endowment has grown with a variety of generous gifts of all sizes from dedicated parishioners. Some parishioners have remembered the Foundation in their wills over the years, proving to be one of the most substantial mechanisms for the Foundation’s growth. Some have given direct gifts during their lifetimes and been able to see the fruits of their donations. In recent years, in addition to increasing the value of its cash, fixed-income and equity assets, the Foundation has been able to add substantial real-estate holdings to its portfolio. Much of the city block behind Holy Trinity Church facing Main Street belongs to the Foundation, and the Savannah Grande property (301 N. Main Street – now known as Villa East) two blocks north has recently been acquired.
In 2009, under Rev. Louanne Loch’s leadership as Rector, the Foundation has taken another step in its development and hired Harvey Ward as its first Executive Director (and first employee). All the administrative activities of the Foundation – which for more than four decades have been handled by Jim Salter and his legal staff – will become Ward’s responsibility and the Foundation will be moving into a “headquarters” office for the first time. Ward will also be responsible for growing the assets of the Foundation.
The history of the Foundation includes tremendous generosity on the part of Holy Trinity Parishioners. The time, talent and treasure they have devoted to the Foundation over the years has been truly exemplary. The FUTURE of the Foundation, however, is in your hands. As you read this, we hope you will consider ways you can take a part in ensuring the continued success of your Foundation. If you wish to discuss ways you can become a part of the Foundation’s “future history” and make a lasting impact on our Parish with your legacy, please contact Harvey Ward, Jim Salter or Wayne Castello today.
