Christ Episcopal Church (Raleigh, North Carolina) facts for kids
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Christ Episcopal Church
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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street view of the church
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 120 E. Edenton St., Raleigh, North Carolina |
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| Built | 1848 |
| Architect | Richard Upjohn; Hobart Upjohn |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| Part of | Capitol Area Historic District (ID78001978) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000469 (original) 87002597 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 28, 1970 |
| Boundary increase | December 23, 1987 |
| Designated NHL | December 23, 1987 |
| Designated CP | April 15, 1978 |
Christ Episcopal Church, also known as Christ Church on Capitol Square, is a historic church in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is located at 120 East Edenton Street. This church is special because it was one of the very first buildings in the American South to be built in the Gothic Revival style.
The church was designed by a famous architect named Richard Upjohn. Construction started in 1848 and finished in 1853. The church was built for a group of people who started their church community in 1821. In 1987, Christ Episcopal Church was recognized as a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a very important historical place in the United States.
Contents
Discovering Christ Church
Christ Episcopal Church is found in Raleigh's Capitol Area Historic District. This area is near the North Carolina State Capitol building. The church stands at the corner of East Edenton and South Wilmington Streets.
What the Church Looks Like
The church has a unique shape, like a cross, which is called a "cruciform" shape. It is mostly built from rough-cut stone that has different colors. The corners and openings use smoother, cut stone. The roof is made of red tiles and has cross-shaped decorations at the ends.
The walls of the church have strong supports called "buttresses." These help the walls stand tall and strong. A covered walkway extends from the church's west side to a separate tower. This tower has three levels and strong corners. The top level has a bell tower with special openings for sound. A spire, which is a tall, pointed roof, sits on top of the tower. It also has a cool bronze weather vane that shows wind direction.
A Look at Its History
The Christ Church community began in 1821. Their first church building, made of wood, was built in 1829. The church you see today was designed by Richard Upjohn in 1846. It was officially opened in 1854.
Upjohn based his design on another church he had built in New Jersey. This was suggested by Bishop Levi Silliman Ives. Later, in 1913–1914, a parish house (a building for church activities) and a chapel were added. These were designed by Upjohn's grandson, Hobart Upjohn.
The Ravenscroft School Connection
The Ravenscroft School, a private school in Raleigh, was started by members of Christ Church. It was named after Bishop John Stark Ravenscroft. He was an important leader for the church at that time and also served as the church's minister.
Notable People Connected to the Church
Many interesting people have been connected to Christ Episcopal Church over the years.
- Author Armistead Maupin attended the church with his family when he was a child.
- Mary Hilliard Hinton, who was against women getting the right to vote, also attended this church.
- Fanny Yarborough Bickett, who was the First Lady of North Carolina, was a member here.
- Lucile Aycock McKee, a well-known socialite, also attended this church.
Images for kids
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High Altar on Pentecost
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Altar in the Chapel of the Annunciation at Christ Church featuring a painting of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary
See also
