Raleigh Recreation: Looking for something fun to do this weekend?
Try a walking tour of the Downtown Raleigh Historical District!
Christ Episcopal Church will catch your eye as you walk or drive through downtown Raleigh.
Not only is this beautiful stone church visually appealing, it is actually the oldest example of early Gothic Revival style in the South.
Richard Upjohn, who designed Trinity Church in New York and founded the American Institute of Architects, designed this building in 1848.
The sanctuary for Christ Episcopal Church was consecrated in 1854, but Christ Church was actually organized in 1821, so this stone church replaced the original frame structure.
The bell tower was completed 7 years later, in 1861. It is of different color stone, and is topped with a gilded weathercock.
A common Civil War tale is that the bell tower's rooster was the only chicken left in town after Sherman's troops went through Raleigh.
Starting in the 1870s, stained glass memorial windows gradually replaced Christ Church's original clear glass windows. The last stained glass window was installed in 1897.
The only alterations to the interior of Christ Church have been to the altar and lighting.
However Christ Episcopal Church itself has expanded quite a bit - though all has carefully been done in the same style and materials as the original structure.
The first major expansion was actually designed by Hobart Brown Upjohn, the grandson of Richard Upjohn, the original architect. In 1914, a parish house and chapel were connected to the sanctuary with arched cloisters.
Additional expansions were completed in 1941 and 1970.
Today, even as a dedicated Raleigh historical landmark, Christ Episcopal Church still offers services every Sunday. Schedules vary only in the summer. Call 919-834-6259 for information.
Christ Episcopal Church is stop #26 on the official Downtown Raleigh Walking Tour. It is located on the northeast side of Capital Square, at the corner of Edenton and Wilmington Streets.
Some other great stops on the Downtown Raleigh Walking Tour are:
North Carolina Veteran's Monument - Honoring WWI, WWII and Korean War Veterans in Downtown Raleigh
Raleigh History Museum - Great FREE Exhibits in Downtown Raleigh!
Raleigh Historical Buildings - State Bank of North Carolina (Built in 1813)
Raleigh NC New Home Resources - Building a Home in Raleigh
Build On Your Lot in Raleigh, NC
Accessible Homes NC – Accessible Builders in Raleigh
Acreage Lots for Sale Raleigh, NC
Golf Course Communities – New Homes on a Golf Course in Raleigh
Raleigh, NC New Home Lots and Land
Most Up-to-Date Raleigh Market Reports - How is the Housing Market in Raleigh?
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Stanton Homes makes it easy! We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today.
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My daughter Jordan received confirmation at Christ Episcopal Church and her dad attends this church. It's a wonderful sanctuary for all in Raleigh
Tracy - I haven't attended services there, but the inside is just as beautiful as the outside. Definitely a peaceful place.