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.
 
  • Church Groups
    • 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.
     
     

    Top of Page