Thomas Smith M’98 

A memory, now a favorite, connects me to childhood years when my paternal grandmother recounted wonderful dinners in Hamlin Hall. Celebratory evenings where the Chapel builders were honored. They were interesting stories that spoke to the carpentry work of her husband, Thomas Smith, my grandfather. As one who lived and played on the cannons beneath the Bishop, Trinity was not an undergrad college choice, but “Nana’s” story never left me. In 1994, I was asked by a former student to grab a Trinity catalog. I did. I leafed through. Saw a degree course of study. Was coerced by the late professor Jim Miller and took next steps toward advanced work in American studies. The Chapel story of long ago led me to the cloistered south wall and granddad’s name along with his co-worker, Mr. Lumpkin. Two Black men included among a most diverse listing of those skilled in building a most sacred space.