Christ Church (Middletown, New Jersey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church |
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| Christ Episcopal Church | |
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 Christ Church
Location in Monmouth County, New Jersey
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| 40°23′38″N 74°07′04″W / 40.39389°N 74.11778°W | |
| Location | Middletown Township, New Jersey |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Episcopal |
| Churchmanship | Anglican Communion |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 17 October 1702 |
| Dedicated | 1738 |
| Events | Sir Henry Clinton and Lord Cornwallis leaving the Battle of Monmouth meet at the Church corner. Some of the wounded were housed in the Church. |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Style | Neo-gothic |
| Years built | 1744-1745 |
| Groundbreaking | 1744 |
| Completed | 1745 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 53 feet (16 m) |
| Width | 40.25 feet (12.27 m) |
| Height | 16.5 feet (5.0 m) |
| Materials | Large, hand-shaped rough stone |
| Bells | 1 |
| Administration | |
| Episcopal area | Episcopal Church in the United States of America |
| Diocese | Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey |
| Province | Province II |
Christ Church is a very old and important church located in Middletown Township, New Jersey. It was built way back in 1744, making it a significant part of American history. This church has seen many changes over the centuries and played a role in local events, even during the American Revolution. It's a special place that tells stories of the past, from its early days to its connection with famous historical figures.
Contents
The Long History of Christ Church
Starting a Church in Early Middletown
It's thought that the first services for the Church of England in Middletown happened in the 1680s. These early meetings took place in the home of Alexander Innes, who used to be a chaplain in New York. Back then, Middletown was a bit of a wild place, known for being close to the shore and for sometimes hosting pirates.
In 1701, the British Governor of New Jersey, Lewis Morris, wrote to the Bishop of London about how unruly Middletown was. He mentioned that Sunday gatherings in public places often involved fights and races. But things started to change in 1702. That's when a missionary named George Keith arrived from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.
Along with Innes, Keith helped officially start what would become Christ Church on October 17, 1702. For a few years, services were still held in people's homes. Then, in 1705, Judge John Johnson, a friend of Innes, allowed them to use the old Monmouth Patent courts as a church.
In 1738, King George II gave the church an official charter. This important document was signed by Governor William Burnet. Finally, a church building was constructed between 1744 and 1745, and services began there soon after.
Christ Church During the American Revolution
Even though many battles and skirmishes happened nearby, the church building was not damaged during the American Revolution. After the big Battle of Monmouth, two important British generals, Sir Henry Clinton and Lord Cornwallis, met near the church. Some soldiers who were hurt in the battle were even cared for inside the church building.
After the war ended and America became independent, Christ Church sent representatives to the very first meeting of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. This was a big step in forming the Episcopal Church as we know it today.
The Church and a Pirate's Gift
In 1736, a man named William Leeds left a large gift of land and money to Christ Church. This gift was called a glebe. What made this donation interesting was that Leeds was known to have been connected to the famous pirate Captain Kidd.
Leeds had been a successful "profiteer," which means he made money in ways that weren't always legal, including being involved with pirates. After his time as a pirate, he settled in the Ideal Beach area of Middletown with some of his old shipmates. He married a local woman and wanted to make up for his past actions.
To do this, he set up a special trust. This trust would give money and his property at Swimming River (in what is now Lincroft) to both Christ Church in Middletown and Christ Church in Shrewsbury after he died. People believe his wealth came from his plundering, but it's important to know that Leeds was a Quaker (a member of the Society of Friends), and Quakers are known for being peaceful. He died in 1739.
