The Vision Years
Like the Prophet Ezekiel, 
Reverend Willis Vickery came to Trinity United Methodist Church with a vision.  While meeting with the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, he shared his passion to make Trinity the greatest church in the North Alabama Conference.

These were years of growth and innovation in program ministry, facilities, and staff positions.  Implementation of the long-range plan led to expanded facilities and a large church organization.  

And Trinity added more remembers on profession-of-faith than any other church in the Conference from 1983 - 1986.  In 1988, construction on a new church building began to meet these burgeoning needs.

On November 15, 1989, one of the worst tornadoes in Huntsville's history destroyed major portions of the buildings and the original Sanctuary.

The Recovery Years
The 1989 tornado, which damaged the new Trinity facilities and demolished  the original Sanctuary, may have devastated the physical church structure, but it strengthened the congregation's spirit.  The damaged buildings were reconstructed within a year.  The new Sanctuary was completed in 1991. 

  "Thus, from the rubble of the storm, Trinity was restored in both spirit and brick and mortar," Rev. Vickery proclaimed.  "Although beaten and battered, it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the Rock."

1982 - Reverend Willis Vickery, his wife Virginia, and their sons Michael, Paul and Bryan, came to Trinity.  Vacation Bible School for the children became "Summer Adventure" and brought experience and interaction of the Christian Faith to life as Old Testament, New Testament, Stewardship, Mission, and Methodism themes were used in a five-year rotation plan.  The participation of children as well as adults and youth working with them tripled in the first year and increased in subsequent years.

1983 - Enough of the congregation had become Senior Adults that a team of members began the XYZ (Xtra Years of Zest) ministry.  The youth began annual summer mission trips by going on an Appalachian Service Project. Handbell and youth choirs for all age groups were created. Members participated in VIM trips to Bolivia, Puerto Rica, and Zimbabwe. Choirs produced events like the Medieval Feast.

1984 - A Long Range Planning Team was formed and put in place a plan to bring more people in our community into a relationship with Christ.

1986 - Trinity members began reaching out in new ways through Kairos ministry at the Limestone Correctional Facility.

1987 - The Building Program began by remodeling "A" and "B" buildings and renaming them Aldersgate and Epworth wings, building a new gym, Narthex, Wesley Hall and new wings Asbury and Wesley.

1989 - Following the tornado, worship was held the next Sunday at the Von Braun Civic Center. The congregation then found a temporary home for church services and Sunday School classes at Randolph School. "Mother's Morning Out" met at Valley United Methodist Church.

1990 - Worship services resumed at Trinity in the new gymnasium. Sunday School classes met in the new and renovated wings. Bishop Knox was in attendance for the dedication services held in Trinity's new gymnasium. The Trinity Counseling Center became a vital part of the church's ministry.

1991 - The new Sanctuary was occupied and celebrated with a Homecoming and Consecration Service. The Personal Growth Center was established as a non-profit for community ministry. The Child Development and Adult Enrichment Centers were founded. Drama again flourished with Christmas Pageants and the Last Supper presentations. Videotaping of the worship services began.

1992 - We began selling our parsonages and giving housing allowances to the clergy. Missions continued to expand with the building of Habitat for Humanity Houses. The Alzheimer Day Care Center, a first for North Alabama, was created.