Welcome
252 338-1686
200 S McMorrine Street | Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Since 1825, Christ Episcopal Church has never lost sight of its primary function which is to go out into the world making
disciples of Jesus Christ, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19) We believe that
the Holy Bible is the Word of God and we strive to live out its precepts in every aspect of church life and ministry.
Parallel to that is the church’s desire to help those in need through mission and outreach. In the gospels, Jesus calls us to
pay particular mind to the poor and needy in our midst. Christ Church has a long history of showing the love of Jesus
Christ by serving "the least of these" in our community.
Today Christ Episcopal Church continues to be a beacon for the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the
building up of the Kingdom of God, all the while focusing its sights continuously on the needs of those outside her
beautiful stained glass windows and her open doors.
We hope you will join us in this call to mission to proclaim the Gospel, help those in need, and build a strong Christian
Community. We welcome you to Christ Episcopal Church, we are so glad you have come to join us!
Our Mission
Our mission is to be a loving family in which Christ is known and proclaimed as Lord and Savior.
Christ Episcopal Church is a loving Christian community humbly welcoming all persons as children of God. It
is our hope that by witnessing faithfully to our neighbors that others will be compelled to join in our efforts
to authentically live out the Gospel in faithfulness. We firmly believe that CEC offers fertile ground for
spiritual growth and a relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Our church is committed to meeting the spiritual needs of all parishioners through a variety of opportunities;
such as, worship services, Sunday school, youth groups, Bible study, prayer groups, ecumenical services, and
outreach to our community and other areas.
Welcome to Christ Episcopal Church of Elizabeth City! This is a place where history, tradition, and scripture come to life
in new and exciting ways! We are a part of the world-wide Anglican Communion which is made up of over 90 million
members across the globe. We hope to provide you with a snapshot of our parish life here and give you details about
our worship, Sunday School, Music Program, Adult Education, Missions, and our life as a community of faith. Information
about our parish staff and our volunteer opportunities are also on this website.
There are so many reasons to be searching for a church home; a sense of belonging, a Christian education for adults and
children, a renewal in our faith life. You may be looking for forgiveness and healing or the opportunity to give thanks and
share gratitude and gifts with others. Here at Christ Church we believe that all people have been created in the image of
God and have been blessed with special gifts and talents for the building up of God's kingdom. We hope that you will find
Christ Church to be a welcoming and loving parish where you can share your gifts and grow in your relationship with
God.
So, please come to church and see for yourself. We promise that every effort will be made to make you feel at home
here; and that you will be fed and nourished by God’s Word, truth, forgiveness, and love.
Sunday
8:00 AM at St. Philip’s
10:30 AM at Christ Church
Wednesday
12:00 PM at St. Philip's
Monday - Saturday
7:00 AM St. Philip's
Worship with Us
Our History
Christ Episcopal Church, itself steeped in history, is located in one of the oldest settled areas of North Carolina.
Although chapels, vestries, and clergy were mentioned in colonial records from the time of Sir Walter Raleigh’s
expeditions, nothing was definitely known of Christ Church, Elizabeth City, until 1825-1826.The Parish, however, had its
roots in Jamestown, Virginia, whose colonists began settling the area around 1630. Under acting Governor Henderson
Walker, the North Assembly of 1701 designated Pasquotank a parish. In 1708 a priest wrote to Her Majesty’s Secretary
in London that “The citizens of Pasquotank have agreed to build a church and two chapels.” No location was given, but a
map of 1770 shows a church on the narrows of North River, a chapel near South Mills, and another on Raymond’s
Creek.
Two vestries were appointed in 1715, one for South West Parish and the other for North East Parish. The General
Assembly meeting in New Bern from 1754-1756 consolidated the parishes of St. John’s and St. Peter’s in Pasquotank
County. A deed dated July 15, 1750 to the Episcopal Church was given by John Cartwright and his wife, Elizabeth, being
the place where the Isaac Sawyer chapel was located.
The congregation was organized in 1825 and the first Christ Church was built during 1825-1826, at first occupying a
frame church on the site of the current parish house. The first rector was John Avery, also rector of St. Paul’s Edenton.
In 1856, $6000 was raised for a new church building, which was completed in 1857 and consecrated in 1858 by Bishop
Thomas Atkinson. In 1925 the parish house was built.
The present church, one of the most familiar landmarks in Elizabeth City and the city’s oldest existing religious structure,
is considered one of the finest examples of English medieval Gothic revival architecture in the area. The details include
the three-stage bell tower, with the octagonal upper stage; slender lancet-arched windows; and the defining buttresses.
The Hammer Beam Ceiling
In 1947 Christ Church’s rare hammer beam ceiling was complemented by her most renowned beautiful memorial gift consisting of a series of eighteen matching
stained glass windows inscribed with the Beatitudes and in harmony with each other giving a narrative of the story of the life of Christ.
The Civil War
During the Civil War, Union Naval vessels under the command of General Burnside steamed up the Pasquotank River and shelled Elizabeth City. The Rev. E.M.
Forbes, rector, remained in town, dressed in his clerical vestments, met the forces at the waterfront and negotiated a peaceful surrender of the town to save it
from ravishment. A memorial to him is located at Mariner’s Wharf on the waterfront.
The Pipe Organs
Christ Church houses two separate pipe organs. The Henry Erben organ was built in 1845 and installed in 1856. The Erben organ and the rose window over
the altar were moved from the first Christ Church building. The main organ, Opus 2149, was built by Austin Organs, Inc. of English roots in 1952. This
instrument was restored in 2009 and the final result has been described as having the rich sonority of an English cathedral organ which is most suited to the
history of Christ Church.
Other Facts:
Christ Church and the parish house have been entered in the National Register of Historic Places.
Christ Episcopal Church in Elizabeth City was admitted to the Diocese in 1830.
Music Ministry
Christ Episcopal Church has a long-standing tradition of musical excellence. Our focus is the rich hymnody of our Anglican tradition, while we also
recognize the beauty of other traditional music. We welcome talented musicians and singers to augment our worship experience. Our parish is blessed with
utilizing excellent talent and music because we all believe as St. Augustine put it, "singing is praying twice."
Children’s Ministry
Children are always welcome at all Christ Church worship services! Nursery care and Children's Chapel are special options for children during the 10:30am
worship service. Children's Chapel is an opportunity for the children to experience the "Liturgy of the Word" in an easy-to-understand story format.
Volunteers lead our Children's Chapel time and offer a rotation-based curriculum of learning.
Youth Ministry
Christ Church values our children and youth, and we have many options for our youth to be involved. Our youth participate in confirmation classes. Our
youth also form the Acolyte team which performs a vital role to our worship experience on Sundays and special feast occasions. Christ Church also
participates in mission trips, both local and international, and our youth are primary participants in these activities. We encourage our youth to participate in
diocesan youth options, such as Fall Conference, Happening, New Beginnings, and summer youth camps at beautiful Camp Trinity.
Outreach
Christ Church is is engaged in a wide variety of outreach initiatives through volunteer efforts, funding and other forms of support. SOUL's (Serving Others
in Unity and Love) is an ecumenical outreach ministry involving more than 14 churches that take turns preparing and serving a meal to hungry individuals
every evening.
The annual Walk for Hunger is sponsored by the Food Bank of the Albemarle and held each October. A team of CEC volunteers of all ages walks to show
support, raise awareness and generate donations.
Christ Church also participates in an annual mission trip. This trip alternates between international and domestic locations. The 2022 Mission Trip was to
Quito, Ecuador. In 2023 they traveled to Florida and helped with Hurricane Ian recovery and internationally, in 2024 to San Pedro Sulas Honduras and
worked with Friends of Honduras.
Give - Time and Talent
Staff
The Rev. Anne Dale
Associate Rector
The Reverend Jim
McGee Rector Emeritus
Dr. William Carl
Thomas Interim Rector
Gary Cooper
Treasurer
David Banica
Youth/Outreach Intern
Sheri Allan Parish
Administrator
Mark L. Williams Music
Director/Organist
Whitney & Chris Paullet
Youth Programs
Reigna Hammond
Nursery Director
Teneka Villanueva
Sexton
Susy Stein Nursery
Director
Vestry
Cynthia Mastro
Outreach
Anna Stevens
Senior Warden
Bo Taylor
Junior Warden
Harriett Hornthal
Clerk
Chris Paullet
Youth
Joyce Wheeler
Communications
Bob Carson
Building and Ground
Alice Moncla
Worship
John Morrison
Stewardship
Susan Griffith
Growth and Evangelism
Vivian Lowry
Parish life
St. Philip's Chapel
St. Philip’s began as a mission outreach of Christ Episcopal Church to serve the local African
American community in the late 19th century. The parish register documents that the
“cornerstone was laid by the rector of the parish, L.L. Williams, on Easter Tuesday afternoon
4th May, 1893.”
The church was built by John James, an African American contractor and his helper. Mr.
James later joined the church. The bell was given by The Rev. L.L. Williams and the vestry of
St. Philip’s Church, Atlanta, Georgia. In August 1893 it was placed in the belfry made for it.
The first service was held Tuesday evening, August 1, 1893, although the church was not
quite finished. The church was consecrated April 24, 1898 by The Rt. Rev. Alfred Augustin
Watson, Bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina. The Rev. S.N. Griffith of St. John the
Evangelist of Edenton was the last priest-in-charge and relinquished his charge of the parish in
1951. Lay services were discontinued in 1952. In 1963 or somewhat later the church was
deconsecrated and used as a soup kitchen and a food bank.
In the 1960s members of Christ Church and St. Philip’s were united under one roof.
Through the efforts of many members of the Christ Church family and others, the St. Philip’s
building was purchased and moved in 2001 to its present location across the street from
Christ Church. Renovations have occurred to preserve St. Philip’s and to fully restore the
structure to its original state. A new addition was also added to provide a kitchen, bathroom
and a gathering space.
St. Philip’s was re-consecrated in 2003 by The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel III. St. Philip’s has been
envisioned as a place for supporting many outreach needs. In its central downtown location
the revitalized church is an appropriate facility for youth and senior citizens’ activities. It is also
used as a gathering place for community organizations, a chapel for Christ Church, small
weddings, informal meetings, educational programs and services.
The church is important not only because of its historic African American origin, but also
because of its elegant but simplistic architectural style. The building is a classic example of the
frame Carpenter Gothic church. Its exterior board-and-batten construction follows a
distinctive type of building that was popular for small congregations during the late
nineteenth century. Of particular interest is the manner in which the battens are joined
under the eaves to form a continuous band of miniature Gothic arches that echo the gable
ornaments at the entrance, belfry, and main gables, the double-leaf door, and the vibrant
colored glass in the central rose window and Queen Anne arched windows. The interior is
an eloquent example of the simple beauty of the Gothic Revival style. The ceiling, supported
by scissor trusses, is covered with diagonally laid beaded tongue-and-groove boards. The
walls, on the other hand, are stucco and scored to simulate ashlar stone walls, presenting a
surprisingly sturdy appearance for so diminutive a building. The chancel area is elegantly yet
simply finished, having simple moldings, a tall wainscot, and a molded altar rail.
St. Philip’s has been entered in the National Register of Historical Places.
St. Philip’s, Elizabeth City was first admitted to the Diocese in 1906.
Source of information: Compiled from various proprietary material of Christ Church.
In the News
Bricks Lead to Treasures:
The project seemed straightforward on the surface. Dig up
a rotting magnolia tree on the grounds and make way for a
new playground.
PBS North Carolina
A Dig Into the Past:
Records, artifacts shed light on 200-year-old history dug up
at Elizabeth City church.
WTKR News Channel 3
Calendar
Clergy Position
Rector, Christ Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City, NC
Christ Episcopal Church offers a diverse and professional
congregation of all ages, including young families. Elizabeth City is
coined as a Coast Guard City and we seek to welcome military
families.