History

On Christmas Eve 1951, a Christ Church congregation of 70 people held its first worship service to celebrate Christmas and the dedication of the church. During the first year, supply clergy served the church. Under the leadership of our first Rector, The Rev. Alexander "Sandy" Juhan, Christ Church grew to around 600 members, expanded our facilities three times, and acquired additional property. Sandy Juhan retired in January 1979.

The Rev. Dr. James Cooper, who had joined Sandy Juhan in ministering to Christ Church and the community in 1972, was installed as the second Rector of Christ Church in May 1979. Jim Cooper left Christ Church in April 2004 to serve as the Rector of Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City.

The Rev. Richard S. Westbury, Jr., who had served as the Rector's Associate at Christ Church from May 2001, became the third Rector of Christ Church in May 2005.

Today, Christ Church is a faith community of more than 5,500. One survey listed Christ Church as the third largest Episcopal Church in the country. To meet the needs of the changing demographics of our parish and the community, as well as those in need among us and around the world, we continue to enhance worship, Christian Formation, lay ministries, and our wide range of outreach partnerships.

Christ Church continues to answer God's call as we grow together, guided by the Holy Spirit, as a welcoming, engaging, and transforming community of faith.