As a church we've not been around as long as other churches in Manningtree, Mistley and Lawford.

We are one of the hundreds of independent churches which have come into existence in the UK during the last 30 or 40 years. Some of these have grown in strategic towns and city centres; others draw hundreds of university students as well as local residents.

These churches are self-governing and not controlled by any central body. They aim to maintain the message of historic Christianity as it is in the Bible, and apply it to contemporary living. This is why they are called evangelical.

So, we at Trinity Free Church are not some cult or religious sect, but in all ways a Christian church. The church started back in the 1970s, as a small group of Christian people meeting in a home. In 1980 we purchased the old St. Michael's School premises and this is now the church's meeting place. We have our own minister who is invited and supported financially by the local church.

(Actually, for administrative purposes, we are part of a grouping of churches which goes by the name of "The FIEC". It is a little like a denomination but less structured).

Gaius Phillingham

Gaius joined us as Pastor March 2007, prior to that he headed up the youth work at Surrey Chapel Norwich.

"If I'm not in the office I can also be reached on 07732 115107".

Gaius is married to Tracey and they have two children.

("Pastor" is just the official title we give to our minister).