Faces of Fourth is a featured series on the folks that are the heart and soul of Historic Fourth Avenue. From the merchants who bring commerce to life, to the buskers who fill the avenue with sound, there are many people to celebrate on Fourth Avenue.
Image Courtesy of Trinity Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Mack Sigmon, Trinity Presbyterian Church’s Pastor and Head of Staff, is originally from North Carolina and has 35 years of experience leading downtown churches. He graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ. Dr. Sigmon leads worship and mission at Trinity, which includes their Food Pantry, Resource Center, their many 12-Step Programs and other community related events.
Image Courtesy of Trinity Presbyterian Church
We asked Rev. Dr. Mack Sigmon a few questions to find out what makes Fourth Avenue a special place for him. Here is what he had to say.
When did the Avenue first start playing a major role in your life?
January, 2017 when I arrived at Trinity
What’s one of your favorite things about the Avenue?
The relationship between the merchants and the community, the Fourth Avenue Street Fairs, and the great restaurants and shopping.
Where is one of your favorite places to frequent on Fourth?
Caruso’s Italian Restaurant.
Tell us one of your most memorable experiences on the Avenue.
Providing free cups of water and selling hamburgers and hot dogs to support our missions during the 4th Avenue Street Fair.
If you could time travel, what year would you like to visit Fourth Avenue?
The 1970s, to compare 4th Avenue to Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, NC
Image Courtesy of Trinity Presbyterian Church
A History of Trinity Presbyterian Church
It was April of 1876, and the first Protestant church in Tucson was born. Three years later, on a site now occupied by City Hall, First Presbyterian Church in the Courthouse Plaza was dedicated. After several years at that site on May 25, 1902, the first service of Trinity Church was held in the old Odd Fellows Hall. Five years later, with no called minister, the members of Trinity voted to erect a building at the corner of Scott Avenue and Ochoa Street which served the congregation for 23 years. Dedicated to worship and ministry in the heart of the city, Trinity in this location served the spiritual needs of the vocational Indian School as well the larger community. In 1925, a new building was constructed on Fourth Avenue, a Spanish-colonial edifice designed by noted architect Henry O. Jaastad. In addition to an elegant sanctuary, there were rooms for classes, meetings, and a base of operations for the many activities. As the population of Tucson swelled after World War II, so did Trinity’s membership. A new sanctuary, offices, and an education wing were added to accommodate its burgeoning ministry, which included an outreach to University students and a pre-school that served low-income families. During the social turmoil of the 1960s and 70s, Trinity was known for its pro-integration, and for grappling with many other social issues. As outlying areas of Tucson grew, Trinity “seeded” many new Presbyterian churches, and its own membership dropped. Like a mother hen with an empty nest, Trinity faced a decision about its future: stay in its Downtown location or move to the suburbs? Trinity has elected to stay in the heart of the city where our ministry began. From the Cup of Water offering at each Fourth Avenue Street Fair to our Food Pantry and Resource Center, we continue to reach out into the neighborhood and beyond, serving as the hands and feet of Christ in our community. We have consolidated our ministry in a smaller, refurbished footprint and are seeking new and exciting ways to use the remainder of our space.
Join them in Worship each Sunday morning online beginning at 10:15 am until further notice at trinitytucson.org/watch-live. They also have adult classes, after service fellowship and Wednesday Evening Vespers online through Zoom and this information is available on their website as well. We are blessed to have them as part of the 4th Avenue community.
Office Hours Monday – Thursday 10am – 2pm
Sunday Hours – 10:15 am ONLINE Sanctuary Service
Food Pantry Hours Tuesday and Thursday Noon-4pm and Sunday Noon-2pm
(520) 623-2579
Website: http://trinitytucson.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TPCTucson/
Visit Trinity Presbyterian Church at 400 North 4th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705