Christ Church Cathedral (Houston) facts for kids
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Christ Church Cathedral, Houston
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Christ Church Cathedral at night
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 Location in Houston Downtown
Location in Texas
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1117 Texas Ave Houston, Texas |
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| Built | 1893 |
| Architect | Silas McBee |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002957 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 15, 1979 |
Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, Texas is a very old and important church. It serves as the main church, or cathedral, for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. The church community started way back in 1839. At that time, Texas was its own country, called the Republic of Texas.
This church is the oldest church community still active in Houston. It is also one of the oldest non-Roman Catholic churches in all of Texas. Many other Episcopal churches in Houston began as smaller missions or projects of Christ Church. For example, Trinity Church, Houston started in 1893 with help from Christ Church.
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History of Christ Church Cathedral
The Christ Church Cathedral building you see today is located at 1117 Texas Avenue in Downtown Houston. This building was finished in 1893. It has a beautiful design known as Late Gothic Revival.
In 1938, the church building had a big fire. A brave firefighter helped save a special carved screen inside the church. This screen, called a rood screen, was sprayed with water to protect it. It survived the fire with only small damage.
Later, a composer named Everett Titcomb wrote a song for the church. This song, "Behold Now, Praise the Lord," was for the church's rededication and 100th birthday celebration.
In 1949, Christ Church became the official cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Today, more than 3,000 people are members of Christ Church.
Leaders of the Church
The first leader of Christ Church was Reverend Charles Gillett. He came from Connecticut. Reverend Gillett helped the church community build its very first church building in 1845.
Another important leader was James P. deWolfe. He was the church's rector, or lead priest, from 1934 to 1940. He helped rebuild parts of the church building and started many new programs. After his time at Christ Church, he became a bishop for another church area.
More recently, from 2013 to 2022, the main leader of the cathedral was the Very Reverend Barkley S. Thompson.
Cathedral House Episcopal School
Christ Church Cathedral also has its own school called Cathedral House Episcopal School. It opened in 1986 right on the church's campus. The school uses the teaching ideas of Maria Montessori. This means they focus on hands-on learning and letting children explore.
The school has different classrooms for young children. These include nursery, movement, toddler, primary, and kindergarten classes.
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