Anglican Church in America
Historic Christ Church
An example of the early Anglican Church in America, historic Christ Church is an interesting place to visit, during your stay on the Northern Neck, Virginia.
Unlike other Anglican Churches in North American, Christ Church was built with private funds by the Carter family, on their private land. As such, Christ Church was not seized by the state following the revolutionary war. Nor was it burned to the ground during the Civil War. (The Northern Neck escaped the ravages of that war, simply because its sparsely settled lands were just not worth bothering with.) Christ Church, an outstanding example of Georgian architecture, stands today in its restored form, due to the dedication of the Foundation for Historic Christ Church, determined to preserve this lovely structure!
Historic Christ Church with its brick fence or wall
The Carter Family
A Private Anglican Church
The story of Christ Church begins with the Carter family, a distinguished family in colonial Lancaster County, VA. John Carter built a church built of wood on this site, his own land. The Carter family was one of the wealthiest landowners at the time. Unfortunately John died before the church was completed. Years later, Robert "King" Carter, John Carter’s son, had the brick Christ Church (which we see restored today) designed in England, in Georgian style architecture. King Carter commissioned the building of the church (at his own expense), and like his father, King Carter died in 1732--3 years before the completion of his church. The church was finished in 1735. Everyone in a parish, including slaves and servants, worshipped together on Sundays.
High back pew boxes in Christ Church, Lancaster County, VA
Each family worshipping at the church had its own high back pew box. The wainscoted high back pew boxes cut down on drafts--and kept everyone’s attention on the service. Pictured above is one of the fancier pew boxes, reserved for the most influential families and visiting dignitaries. Everyone showed up for Sunday service at the Anglican church in America, as it was required by law. In fact, if you were absent for a couple of Sundays, you could be looking at time in jail. In addition to providing a church for its colonial parish, the Carter family descendants boast quite a few people who contributed positively to the history of colonial Virginia and America: - Two U.S. presidents
- Eight Virginia governors
- Three signers of the Declaration of Independence
- One Supreme Court chief justice
- Robert E. Lee
The Pulpit in Historic Christ Church
While the entire church is interesting, I found the pulpit to be the most amazing part of Christ Church. The pulpit is a rare 3 decker pulpit. The three tiers of the triple deck pulpit could be seen from the high back pews, and the higher the tier, the more important the presentation.
Photograph by John H. Whitehead, III, Foundation for Historic Christ Church
The triple deck pulpit in Christ Church,
one of two surviving triple deckers from colonial Virginia
A clerk, standing in the lower tier of the pulpit made public announcements such as laws from the House of Burgesses or proclamations from the Governor. The clerk also led the congregation in responsive readings and psalms.The second tier was called the reading desk and the minister read the liturgy and conducted the service from here. There were no singing or hymns at this time. The third tier was reserved for the minister’s sermon. The dome at the top (over the minister’s head) was symbolic of his authority.
Your Visit to Christ Church
Anglican Church in America
When you visit, your first stop will be the reception area. This building, on your right as you enter, houses a museum and gift shop—and you will meet some of the church’s volunteers here. Your tour starts with a brief video (sitting on high back pews) and then a walk through the museum and gift shop.
Entrance to Christ Church
Note the symmetry of the shapes used.Friendly volunteers can give you a guided tour, explaining all the interesting aspects of the church’s architecture and history. There are a number of benches in the reception area, and, if it’s a nice day, this is a lovely place for a picnic. Donations are appreciated, and a $5.00 donation is suggested. The money goes to help maintain the church.
Worship at Christ Church
Photograph by John H. Whitehead, III, Foundation for Historic Christ Church
You can worship here on Sundays during the summer.
During your visit to the Northern Neck, you can actually worship at Historic Christ Church. From Memorial Day to Labor Day you can attend Sunday service at 8 a.m. The service is no long Anglican, but ecumenical to accommodate the many visitors who take advantage of this opportunity. For more information about this Anglican Church in America, historic Christ Church, go to the official website at Historic Christ Church.
Anglican Church in America to History of Virginia
Anglican Church in America to Northern Neck Virginia
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