Trinity Episcopal Church in Moorestown will hold its first annual Holiday Craft and Makers Market Saturday at noon.
Vendors will include Brandlynn Dumhart from Custom Love Pets, Nika Corbet from Curate Noir, Kevin Berry from Berry Brand Coffee, Scott Elgart from Soap A GoGo and Keith Davies from The Woodcrafter.
The market will be held on two floors and will include hot cocoa and holiday music. Maria’s Authentic food truck is also expected to be on site, and Santa will make a special appearance. There will also be a space set up downstairs for a make-and-take holiday craft.
“The holiday market is the start of an effort to grow Trinity’s presence as a trusted and celebrated space within our town, and with a particular emphasis on community engagement,” said Kate Stefanko, the church’s office and communications manager.
“We want the community to feel comfortable interacting with this incredible space that was actually gifted by Eldridge Reeves Johnson.”
According to Trinity’s website, the present complex of church, chapel, parish house and what was formerly the rectory were donated in 1928 by Johnson, founder and president of the Victor Talking Machine Company and a Moorestown resident. The previous church was demolished and the 81-year old rectory and 16-year old parish house were placed on new foundations.
The present church building – in the National Historic District of Moorestown – is considered to be one of the finest examples of rural neo-Gothic parish architecture in the country.
“I know that people know that the community house was also a gift from him (Johnson), but Trinity was a gift,” Stefanko explained. “ … He considered it to be a really important piece for Moorestown to have … We’ve got a really rich history here, so we would like to make the community more actively involved in that.”
Stefanko said in the coming year, the church hopes to offer events spotlighting local art and music, as well as interactive and creative workshops.
“We’re eager to collaborate with local businesses and community members to offer opportunities that not only fuel artistic collaborations, but also nurture a deep sense of togetherness and unity,” she added.
“ … We’re also offering classroom space for rent to music and art teachers or small, local nonprofits that share a similar commitment to cultivating an inclusive environment, and we’re excited to become a space where community members gather to share talents and foster an appreciation for the diverse, cultural expressions that make our neighborhood so unique.”
Stefanko wants the craft and market event to help residents relax during the craziness of the holidays.
“ … We’re all just trying to give gifts and make sure no one feels left out or no one’s forgotten, and we want people to celebrate community, we want people to take a step back and talk to the person who’s making their gift,” she noted.
“ … Spend some time getting to know the person behind the craft.”
For more information on Trinity, visit www.trinitymoorestown.org.
