Paul Patton – Origin Story: The Experiment of Trinity House Theatre

My guest for this episode of the Guest Friends podcast is a man whose persona is a thoughtful collection of writer, minister, educator, thespian, and encourager: Paul Patton. 

He and his wife Beth were married in 1974; they have 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren. He currently resides in Spring Arbor, Michigan – where he recently retired as Professor of Communication and Media at Spring Arbor University. In the 2021 book he co-authored with his fellow educator Robert H. Woods Jr. titled “Everyday Sabbath: How to Lead Your Dance with Media and Technology in Mindful and Sacred Ways”, his prayerful plea for the next generation is that they would “…love deeply, think wisely, and forgive quickly.”

Paul initially went to Spring Arbor to play college baseball, but along the way he became a youth minister. It was while pastoring at Trinity Baptist Church in Livonia that Paul had the idea in the Spring of 1981 to start Trinity House Theatre when he experienced the unifying power that performing plays could bring to all involved – especially to those who needed it most. So, with no previous theatrical training, he jumped in to start writing and producing plays that would “…enliven the communities of Southeastern Michigan through brave, truthful, and necessary works of art.” 40+ years later, Trinity House is celebrating its anniversary as a sacred listening room for performing artists to thrive (it’s predominantly known as a live music venue now).

For several years, I only knew Paul by myth and legend, until I finally had a chance to meet him at a dinner party shortly after I joined the Trinity House board of directors. Paul is just one of those people who you can’t help but be awed by their wisdom and presence. Along with being encouragers of creative efforts, we’ve also bonded over being fellow podcasters – with his short-form podcast series “Soul Stirrings” (available on SoundCloud) giving insights to the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  

I met up with Paul on the very stage he helped to build all those years ago in order to discuss the particulars surrounding the founding of the theatre. Amongst other insights, Paul shares how innovative auditioning techniques opened up the possibilities for a previously overlooked population of acting hopefuls; why it’s stupid to hold back on complimenting people; and how memorization can activate an oasis of the mind whenever you need it (you’ll hear his evidence of that, firsthand).

As a bonus, we also discuss some of the history of the small meeting house at Six Mile and Haggerty (built in 1850 in Livonia, Michigan) that Trinity House has resided in since its founding, and we reveal a special historical event that took place within its walls.

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LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:

Logo Credit: Saint-Creative.com

Music Credit: Of Asaph (James Alleman)

Promo Voiceover: Jill Jack

Promo Soundbed: “Amelia” by Jill Jack

Recommended Resources:

Place: Trinity House

Donate: Paul Patton Founders Club

Podcast: “Soul Stirrings” with Paul Patton

Book: “Everyday Sabbath: How to Lead Your Dance with Media and