Christ Episcopal Church (Bethlehem, Connecticut)

Christ Church
Christ Church Exterior, 2018
Christ Church
Location in Connecticut
Christ Church
Location in the United States
41°38′18″N 73°12′32″W / 41.63829°N 73.20899°W / 41.63829; -73.20899
OS grid referenceJQQR+89 Bethlehem, Connecticut
Location18 Main Street South, Bethlehem, CT 06751
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
DenominationEpiscopalian
Websitewww.christepiscopalchurchbethlehem.com
History
FoundedMarch 13, 1807 as "Episcopal Society of Bethlem"
ConsecratedSeptember 23, 1835
Past bishopThe Right Rev. Thomas Church Brownell
Architecture
Heritage designationNational Historic District building
DesignatedDecember 16, 1982
Architect(s)1871 renovations by Robert W. Hill, architect
Architectural typeGothic Revival
Years built1829, 1871, 1932, 1955, 1983
Groundbreaking1829
Completed1832
Specifications
Length44 ft.
Width30 ft.
Number of towers1
Materialsbrick, wood, pressed metal
Bells1 by Meneely Bell Foundry
Tenor bell weight938 lb (425 kg).
Administration
DivisionAnglican Communion
SubdivisionThe Episcopal Church
ProvinceI
DioceseThe Episcopal Church in Connecticut (since 1785)
Episcopal areaNorthwest Region
Clergy
Bishop(s)The Right Rev. Jeff W. Mello, Bishop Diocesan; the Right Rev. Laura J. Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan
Laity
OrganistStephanie Biello
TreasurerGregg Douglas
ChurchwardenDavid Maddox

Christ Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal church located on the town green of Bethlehem, Connecticut, United States.

The church reported 99 members in 2017 and 28 members in 2023; no membership statistics were reported in 2024 parochial reports. Plate and pledge income for the congregation in 2024 was $7,705 with average Sunday attendance (ASA) of 24.

Founded as a parish early in the 19th century, it has been a central part of the life of the town ever since. The building is an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture, and its unique metal roof helps incorporate it visually with other historic buildings in the area around the green. Major renovations were designed by R. W. Hill, a noted Waterbury architect, early in his career. It also houses a Jardine tracker organ designed in 1855. Along with the First Congregational Church across the street and the Bellamy-Ferriday House on another side of the town green, Christ Episcopal Church helps anchor the historic center of this small rural town in Litchfield County, Connecticut.