Historic Pocatello church to host outdoor service with New Orleans-style band
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POCATELLO — A blend of church tradition, patriotism, and jazz will fill the air this Sunday, July 6, as Trinity Episcopal Church hosts an outdoor morning prayer service accompanied by a live New Orleans-style jazz band.
The community is welcome to attend the event from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the patio adjacent to the church, located at 248 North Arthur in historic downtown, across from Pocatello High School.
While the Rev. Haydie LeCorbeiller is the priest in charge of the church, local musician, ISU music instructor, and one of Trinity’s worship leaders, Geoffrey Friedley, who will speak at the event, played a key role in arranging for the jazz band to perform at the special service.
Leading Sunday’s musical ensemble are Friedley on the trombone, Erin Armstrong on clarinet, Joe Babcock on trumpet, Jonathan Armstrong on banjo, and James Breker on bass.
The same group of musicians and snare drum player Gabrielle Lowman will also ride on Trinity’s float in the “The American Spirit” themed Pocatello Fourth of July Parade at 9:30 a.m. down Main Street.
“This is probably the fourth or fifth time we’ve been in the Fourth of July parade, and this is going to be the best band yet,” said Friedley. “It just made sense to be in the parade and then continue the festivities by playing at the church service on Sunday.”
Though Sunday’s service will not include Holy Eucharist, it will feature all the hallmarks of traditional Episcopal worship: scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments, music, canticles, and prayers drawn from the Episcopal “Book of Common Prayer.”
“In honor of the July 4th weekend, patriotic hymns such as ‘America the Beautiful,’ ‘My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,’ and ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ will be woven with traditional church hymns throughout the service,” said Friedley.
Trinity Episcopal Church has been a cornerstone of the Pocatello community for more than a century. The Gothic Revival stone building, completed in 1898, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its 92-foot bell tower, crafted stained-glass windows, and rich history have made it one of the city’s architectural and spiritual landmarks.
In keeping with that legacy, church leaders hope Sunday’s outdoor event will showcase not only the beauty of Episcopal worship but also the church’s ongoing commitment to community connection and creativity.
All are welcome to attend the church anytime, regardless of background or affiliation.
For more information, contact Trinity Episcopal Church at (208) 233-2640 or email info@trinitypocatello.org.