Methodists and Christians from other denominations in the City of Portsmouth have worshipped on the site of Trinity Church for more than a century. Not only has the church primarily been a place of worship, but also because of its lofty tower, it has been, and still is, a landmark for the people of Portsmouth and for mariners who ply the waters of Spithead and the Solent.

The first building to be erected on this site in the late 1890’s was constructed of corrugated iron and became known as "the Iron Chapel". Cost of the building and purchase of the site was £820. It opened for worship on June 23 1892.

With church membership almost 200 and Sunday School pupils totaling 280, it was soon clear that the iron chapel could no longer cater for the growing attendances. Permission was sought and granted for the erection of a new building, funds to begin the new project were available early in 1900 and an estimate from a local builder for the construction of a church and school for £3,479 was accepted. With the old iron chapel remaining in position the new one literally grew around the old. The new school was opened in October 1900, and the new church was opened on May 22, 1901.

Southsea was at that time a rural area and it was reported that members and friends attending the ceremony "walked through the cornfields" to approach the building.

What of the old church? Sadly It was recorded that on September 6 1900 it was sold by auction for £50 exclusive of gas fittings! It however did remain in situ until the replacement church was completed.

At the church's centenary service celebrations in 1992, members and friends were reminded of the ‘toil, tears and sweat’ (to quote the late Sir Winston Churchill), as well as human endeavour undertaken by their founders to provide this special sanctuary in the heart of a now bustling thoroughfare of Portsmouth.

Reference was made at the outset to Trinity’s lofty tower being a navigational aid to shipping. Before the advent of radar the lighthouse, of course, acted as a navigational aid and hazard warning. Most lighthouses, like the one at The Needles, over on the Isle of Wight, were built on rocks. It was on the rock of faith that this lovely church of Trinity was built, and it is upon that same Rock, we believe, that the Lord Jesus Christ will continue to build His church and direct the people who worship in it and visit it.

Today the Christian community based here meets for worship each Sunday at 10.30 am. At the same time Trinity Juniors (the T J Club) meets and welcomes children and young people to join its Christian based activities. During the week nearly 20 church and community groups meet on our premises.

The present minister is the Reverend Andrew Pantland. He welcomes you to Trinity today on behalf of all Southsea Methodists.