Christ Episcopal Church (Burlington, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Christ Episcopal Church
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U.S. Historic district
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 623 N. Fifth St. Burlington, Iowa |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1885 |
| Architect | Charles A. Dunham |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| Part of | Heritage Hill Historic District (ID82000406) |
| Added to NRHP | December 21, 1982 |
Christ Episcopal Church, often called Christ Church, is a historic church building. It is located in Burlington, Iowa, in the United States. This church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. It is also a special building within the Heritage Hill Historic District. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Discovering Christ Church's Past
In 1832, a new area in eastern Iowa was opened for American settlers. The town of Flint Hills was started in 1833. It was built along the Mississippi River. The Sauk and Meskwaki tribes had called this area "Shoquoquon," or Flint Hills.
Three years after the town began, a bishop named Jackson Kemper met an attorney, David Rorer. They met on a steamboat called the Olive Branch. Mr. Rorer was going to Burlington to start his law practice. He convinced the bishop to start a church mission there.
The town's name changed to Burlington in 1838. Bishop Kemper started a mission for the Episcopal Church that same year. A minister, the Reverend John Bachelder, volunteered to lead the mission. On March 15, 1839, he held the first church service. It took place in Old Zion Church, which was the only church building in Burlington at that time. The mission became a full church parish the next year.
Building a New Home for Worship
For many years, the Methodists kindly let the Episcopalians use Old Zion Church. In 1849, the church leaders, called the vestry, bought land at Fifth and High Streets. They built their first church there. That same year, they officially named it Christ Church.
As more people joined the church, the leaders wanted a bigger building. After some time, they decided to tear down the old church in 1884. They built a new one in the same spot. The church building you see today was finished in 1885. Bishop William Stevens Perry of Iowa officially dedicated it on May 16, 1886.
The 1973 Fire and Rebuilding
In 1973, a fire sadly destroyed much of the church. Only the strong stone walls were left standing. Many valuable items were lost. These included a carillon (a musical instrument with bells), the pipe organ, and all the church's old records. Christ Church also lost most of its beautiful stained glass windows. Luckily, the "resurrection window" above the Altar was saved.
While the church was being rebuilt, Sunday services were held at First Presbyterian Church. The builders used the original stone walls to reconstruct the church.
Exploring Christ Church's Design
Christ Church was designed by a local architect from Burlington, Charles A. Dunham. He designed it in the Romanesque Revival style. This style often uses round arches and strong, heavy walls. A builder named Mr. Phelps constructed the church. Mr. Smith did all the stonework.
Inside, Burlington artist W.H. Johnson decorated the walls. He also decorated the First Baptist Church. The east wall of Christ Church had a large stained glass window from Chicago. The windows on the sides were designed by the church's minister, the Reverend Dr. Johnson.
Unique Exterior Features
The outside of the church is made of local limestone. The stones are laid in rows using a method called rubble masonry. The church has a special round tower. This tower ends in a square belfry (where bells are kept). It has a high, pointed roof. The parish house, a building next to the church, was built in 1901. It looks similar to the church in its style and materials.
After the 1973 fire, the outside of the church was fully repaired. Only one small window on the north side was changed. Strong buttresses (supports) were added to the side walls. These help hold up the heavy roof. The church also received a stunning stained glass window. It came from St Philip’s Church in Blackburn, England, after that church was taken down. This was part of a program that helps save or reuse old church buildings.
