Christ Episcopal Church (South Pittsburg, Tennessee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Christ Episcopal Church and Parish House
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Christ Episcopal Church in February 1983
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| Location | 302 West 3rd Street at Holly Avenue South Pittsburg, Tennessee |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1884 (church), ca. 1889 (parish hall) |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001278 |
| Added to NRHP | August 22, 1977 |
Christ Episcopal Church is an Episcopal church located in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. It is part of the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee. The church building and its nearby parish house are important. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized for their historical value.
History of Christ Episcopal Church
The first people who went to Christ Church were workers from England. They had moved to South Pittsburg to work in a foundry (a place where metal is melted and shaped). These workers started meeting for church services in 1876.
A company called Southern States Coal, Iron, and Land Company gave land for a church. The church members then started building a new church in 1882. Bishop Charles T. Quintard, an important leader in the Episcopal Church in Tennessee, helped with the design. He wanted the church to look "graceful and churchly." He also suggested it should be long and narrow. The roof should be steeply sloped.
The church building was finished in 1884. With help from Bishop Quintard and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chattanooga, Christ Church officially became a parish in May 1887. A rectory (a house for the church's leader) was built the next year. The bell tower was also added to the church. Bishop Quintard then officially dedicated the church.
The church's parish house was completed around 1889. Later, in 1960, an addition was built. This addition connected the parish house to the main church building. Both the church and the parish house were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
What the Church Looks Like
Christ Church is built in the Gothic Revival style. This style often includes pointed arches and tall windows. Both the church and the parish house are single-story buildings. The church building is about 27 feet wide and 57 feet long. This makes it more than twice as long as it is wide, just as Bishop Quintard suggested.
The church building and its inside decorations are made almost entirely from wood. This includes a special hand-carved altar and a baptismal font. The only part not made of wood is the brick foundation. The square bell tower has two stories. It has an open area for the bells. A steep, pointed roof sits on top of the tower.
The church has several beautiful stained glass windows. One special window was made by Tiffany Studios and put in place in 1915. The church also has a large organ made by Moller. It was installed in 1928.
In 1974, a group called the Historic American Buildings Survey studied the church. They said Christ Church and its parish house were special. They were among the few wooden Gothic Revival buildings in Tennessee. They showed how the Episcopal church in East Tennessee used fancy designs long ago.
Church Leaders
As of 2014, the main leader of Christ Church is the Rev. Kim Merritt Hobby. She is called the rector. The Rev. Gary England is a deacon who helps at Christ Church. He was assigned there by Bishop George Young.
