About Christ Church

Established in 1760, we have had a long and wonderful history — yet we’re a modern, active congregation with all of the worship, programs, and activities you would expect to find in any Episcopal parish. We have growing Sunday School, Adult Christian Education, and Bible Study programs in addition to retreats, fellowship groups, and a long list of activities that reach out to people in need.

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History of Christ Church

In 2001, Christ Church was named to the National Register of Historical Places. According to research conducted by the Department of Interior, National Park Service, prior to the 1846 erection of the current church structure, there were two previous church structures. The first church was erected circa 1760 by Anglicans in Trumbull as the North Stratford Anglican Parish in Tashua. It must be noted that during this period, Trumbull, Bridgeport and Stratford were all known as Stratford. This first church was a 36’ X 26’ building and was located at what is now the north pedestrian gate of the graveyard.

In 1788, North Stratford Anglican Parish in Tashua was renamed Trinity Episcopal Church. The original structure was subsequently abandoned and a second church structure was erected. The Right Reverend Samuel Seabury, America’s first Episcopal bishop, consecrated the second church structure in 1795. The second church was located across from the current church on Tashua Road and measured 50’ X 35.’ The third and current church structure was erected in 1846. The new church was consecrated on May 28, 1847 and renamed Christ Episcopal Church.

Architecturally, the current church structure is an example of Carpenter Gothic, a derivation of the Gothic Revival architectural style. The Gothic Revival style was patterned after the imposing and lofty cathedrals of medieval Europe and was intended to be executed in stone or brick. Gothic Revival became the only "proper style" of English church buildings for the Victorian period between 1840 and 1870. In North America, however, due to the accessibility of fine wood and the invention of the steam-powered scroll saw, the style known as Carpenter Gothic was developed.

The integrity of the exterior as well as the interior architecture has been incredibly maintained over the past century and a half. The Historical Register noted that " [t]he church is virtually a time capsule of early Victorian ecclesiastical taste, and refurbishment/repair over the past 150 years has acknowledged that distinction."

In addition to the historical and architectural significance of Christ Church, is the Simmons-McIntyre tracker organ built in 1849. The organ was recognized by the National Organ Historical Society and, remarkably, is still played every Sunday service.

Christ Church is also in possession of the original Bible and Book of Common Prayer that was received by the church in 1762. The Bible and Book of Common Prayer may be viewed in the display case located in the nave of the church. The display case also contains early communion vessels and a pewter tankard crafted in the mid-18th century. The nave also contains a pew, reportedly from the second church building. Other items of interest in the nave include a brass cross and missal stand given to the church in 1887; a brass lectern given in 1889; and a hymn tablet and bishop’s chair given in 1895.

About the Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Church, and its heritage goes back through sixteen centuries of Christianity in England. It serves a bridge between the Roman Catholic and the Protestant traditions. It is Catholic, because it holds to the Creeds, the Sacraments, the Holy Scriptures, and the ordained ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons. It is also Protestant because it is not under the Pope; it includes laypersons in governing the Church; it places strong emphasis on the Bible; and its members are guided by a personal commitment to Christ. There are over 70 millions Anglicans in 165 counties. Our worship is centered on the Holy Eucharist, and we focus on developing mature, adult followers of Christ; using reason in matters of faith and moral decisions; full participation of the people in worship; and lay involvement in parish decision making.