History

Christ Church has been a center for the worship of God and an important part of the Westerly-Pawcatuck community for over 175 years. Christ Church Parish was founded in 1834 and the cornerstone of the present building, located at the corner of Elm and Broad streets, was laid in 1891. Built of Westerly Blue Granite with Westerly Red Granite trim, the church was consecrated on October 16th, 1894. In the Memorial Garden is the first bell used to call people to worship. The Parish House was completed in 1957 and is a constant center of church and community activity. The rectory, located at 8 Elm Street, is one of the finer examples of Greek revival architecture in the area.

But buildings are only the outer expression of the church’s life. The vitality of Christ Church can be experienced through its worship, its music, its study, its services and its play. More of a Hospital for sinners than a showcase for saints, we know that in His infinite mercy God has called us together as a congregation in His Church.
Together we will continue the tradition of Christ Church in our time and, in faithful hope, embrace the challenges of the future.

A Brief History of Christ Church

1834 In September The Rev, James Pratt visited as a missionary. On November 24 the formal organization of the church began and in December Mr. Pratt was officially appointed the First Rector. Church services were held in the Red School House on Union Street.

1836 The first Christ’s Church was completed, a white wooden Greek Revival church.

1841 – 1844 The Rev. William H. Newman served as the 2nd rector of Christ’s Church.

1844 – 1857 Thomas H. Vail served as the 3rd rector.

1858 – 1859 The Rev. Arthur Mason was the 4th rector.

1860 – 1872 The Rev. John P. Hubbard was the 5th rector.

1866 Church growth inspired discussion of constructing a larger stone edifice. Land was offered at the corner of Elm and Broad Street. The Civil War efforts made it impossible to raise funds at this time.

1872 In the summer, the 1836 building was completely destroyed by fire. Only the organ was saved. A temporary wooden structure was built.

1881 – 1898 The Rev. William M. Groton was the 7th rector.

1891 It was voted to erect a new stone church on the corner of Broad and Elm Street. The cornerstone was laid.

1894 On October 16th, the new church was consecrated by the Bishop. The building was made of Westerly Blue Granite with Westerly Red Granite trim.

1898 – 1903 The Rev. Norman Van Pelt Levis became the 8th rector.

1903 – 1919 The Rev. William F. Williams became the 9th rector.

1905 A spire was added to the original square tower, and the Milner Chimes
were added.

1914 First recorded May Breakfast was held.

1919 – 1922 The Rev. Edmund J. Cleveland served as the 10th rector.

1922 – 1949 The Rev. G. Edgar Tobin came to Christ’s Church as the 11th rector. The longest rectorship in history of the church to date.

1938 Twenty-one church members died in the hurricane.

1949 – 1958 The Rev. William L. Kite was called to be the 12th rector.

1957 The Parish Hall was dedicated. The name of the church was officially changed from Christ’s Church of Westerly to Christ Church.

1958 – 1969 The Rev. James E. Annand became the 13th rector of Christ Church.

1961 The Tobin Chapel dedicated.

1963 Interior of the church was renovated and a new gallery was built in the rear of the church to prepare for the new organ.

1970 – 1972 The Rev. Russel L. Deragon appointed our 14th rector.

1970 The first woman was elected to the Vestry.

1974 – 1987 The Rev. David Joslin was called to be our 15th rector.

1977 The St. Nicholas Chapel in the undercroft was dedicated.

1982 The Memorial Garden was dedicated.

1984 Extensive renovations of the building were completed in time for the 150th anniversary.

1988 – 2006 The Rev. Robert W. Anthony became the 16th rector of Christ Church.

2006 The Rev. Fredrick Nestrock was appointed the interim minister during our search for a new rector.

2008 Rev. Dr. Christopher Athan Pappas became the 17th rector of Christ Church.