Photo Credit: Trinity Episcopal ChurchNews
Trinity Episcopal Church makes history with Installation of First Female Rector
Trinity Episcopal Church celebrated a historic milestone on Sunday, August 30, 2026, with the installation of the Rev. Christine Mendoza as the seventh Rector in the parish’s history and the first woman to serve as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church.
The Rt. Rev. Jeff W. Fisher of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas presided over the installation, which brought together Trinity parishioners, visiting clergy, friends and guests for a joyful celebration of Mendoza’s new ministry. The service was also shared online, allowing members of the wider Trinity community to participate in the historic occasion.
The Rev. Gavin Tomlin, Associate Rector of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Waco, served as guest preacher, and numerous clergy from throughout the Episcopal community joined Trinity in celebrating the installation.
Mendoza officially began serving as Trinity’s Rector on August 2, 2026, following an extensive 18-month national search led by Trinity’s Search Committee and Vestry. After evaluating candidates through interviews, discernment and prayerful consideration, the Vestry unanimously affirmed the Search Committee’s recommendation to call Mendoza as Trinity’s next Rector.
At the time her call was announced, Senior Warden Sam Kneisley described Mendoza as “highly qualified, passionate, energetic, strategic, and insightful,” noting her vision for building upon the vitality of the parish while honoring Trinity’s identity and history.
A native Texan, Mendoza was born in San Antonio and returned to Texas after serving for nine years as Rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke, Virginia. Prior to that role, she served as Curate and Priest Associate at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin.
Mendoza holds a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Religious Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Divinity from Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. Before entering ordained ministry, she worked in software development as a project manager and business analyst.
Upon accepting Trinity’s call, Mendoza shared her excitement about beginning this new ministry.
“It is with thanksgiving and a joyful heart that I have accepted your vestry’s call to serve as your next rector,” Mendoza said. “I am blessed by this gracious call and excited to journey with you as we serve as Christ’s hands and feet in the world.”
Her installation marks an especially meaningful moment as Trinity Episcopal Church celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, honoring five decades of worship, ministry and service in The Woodlands while looking ahead to its next chapter.
Founded in 1976, Trinity Episcopal Church serves The Woodlands and surrounding communities through worship, Christian formation, pastoral care, outreach ministries and Trinity Episcopal Day School. The congregation is committed to spiritual growth, service and creating a welcoming community for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Source: Trinity Episcopal Church
