Press Releases

April 15, 1997
Father Edmond Trench to Receive Southampton Graduate Campus Distinguished Citizen Award

Contact: Jane Finalborgo
(516) 287 8313
Fax: (516) 283-4081

Southampton Graduate Campus of Long Island University will present its 1997 Distinguished Citizen Award to Rev. Msgr. Edmond J. Trench, pastor of Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary Church in Southampton.

A religious leader known for his involvement and contributions throughout the Southampton community, Father Trench will be honored Friday, June 27 at the Meadow Club of Southampton. The Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes a member of the year-round East End community who has contributed significantly, through personal and professional endeavors, to the cultural, educational and professional quality of life on eastern Long Island.

Soon after his assignment to Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church in 1988, Father Trench led the effort to completely restore and rededicate the historic church which was built 1907-1908. He went on to guide the refurbishing of the Parish Hall, and to open it up to a wide variety of community uses. These include senior citizen functions, the community Blood Drive, the Little League fund raiser breakfast and other not-for-profit group events concerned with the quality of life. The building is also used by St. Charles Education and Therapeutic Center to care for the children of the East End who need special help.

Father Trench has also led the effort to establish the Hispanic Apostolate for the South Fork at the church and to expand programs for the poor, the disadvantaged, the sick, the shut-ins and their caregivers. He has touched the lives of many people \ throughout the community in his work as chaplain for the Southampton Fire Department, the Southampton Village Police Department, and the Suffolk County Chiefs of Police Association, and his involvement in the schools and other organizations. "Father Trench is a compassionate and committed priest who has brought new life and vitality to his church and to his community," said Tim Bishop, Provost of the College. "He is respected by people of all religions and walks of life. His energy and enthusiasm for his work are contagious."

Born in Rockville Centre in 1930, Father Trench was a member of the first group of ten priests ordained for the newly formed Diocese of Rockville Centre on June 1, 1957. Before coming to Southampton he served as pastor of two other Roman Catholic churches, Blessed Sacrament Church in Valley Stream and Infant Jesus Church in Port Jefferson. He was elected a member of the first Priests Advisory Council and appointed to the Diocesan Board of Consultors by Bishop Kellenberg, the founding bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

Previous recipients of the Distinguished Citizen Award are Arthur Hull, a founder of the College, Harry Marmion, former President of the College, Thomas E. Behringer, Jr., founding director of the Bank of the Hamptons, Elaine K.G. Benson, writer and gallery owner, three East End alumni: J. Stanley Parkin, Richard E. Warren and Laralee Capps Jemiola and, most recently, Dr. Louis Pizzarello, an ophthalmologist and public health service leader. For ticket and benefit information, please call the Development Office at Southampton Graduate Campus, 287-8348. All proceeds benefit the Southampton Graduate Campus Scholarship Fund.