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HISTORICAL SUMMARY OF CHRIST CHURCH

Immigrants to Vicksburg with Episcopal/Anglican backgrounds were able to form a church in 1828 with the guidance of an Episcopal priest from Natchez. Construction of the original church building began in 1828, a wood and brick structure was completed and consecrated in 1839. The church and grounds are physically located within the inner-city on the corner of Main and Locust Streets, in the immediate area of several historical sites such as the Duff Green Mansion and the Bodley Monument. To date, Christ Church has had 13 rectors (including the present one).

The church weathered a variety of problems in its early years. In about 1835, gambling and associated lawlessness threatened the city. Twice in twelve years (1841 and 1853), epidemics of yellow fever ravaged the area. Reverend Weller died in the epidemic of 1841. One of the early rectors of Christ Church who died during the yellow fever epidemic of 1835, Reverend Patterson, has a grave and Memorial located on church grounds. The Civil War siege of Vicksburg began in December 1862. Federal gunboats bombarded the city and on July 4, 1863 the Confederates capitulated, then the difficult reconstruction period followed. A schism in the church was brought about by the selection of Reverend Henry Sansom as rector in 1865 (who served as rector for 38 years until his death at age 82), and a large portion of the congregation withdrew and established the Church of the Holy Trinity. The new church recalled the preceding rector, the Reverend W.W. Lord. A final yellow fever epidemic was experienced in 1888.

In more modern times, civil rights and integration issues have been faced and overcome. In December 1953, a killer tornado crossed the river and devastated a significant portion of the city, including a portion of Christ Church, which lost its beautiful stained glass windows (later restored).

PARISH BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

Christ Church is the oldest church building in Vicksburg and the oldest building for public assembly. The cornerstone was laid by Bishop Leonidas Polk of Louisiana in 1839. The building was completed and consecrated by Bishop Otey of Tennessee in 1843.

Both church and rectory are included in the National Register of Historic Places. A stucco facing was added to the main church shortly after the turn of this century, but a rectangular opening exposes the original brick to show visitors its original appearance. Both brick and stucco, though long-lasting, still require maintenance, and have had several treatments designed to preserve them in the moist climate of this area.

The rectory, located next door to the church, is a stately, Victorian-style home with high ceilings and spacious rooms common to that type of architecture. It is normally on display to tourists during the spring Pilgrimage that attracts visitors to the city.

Changes made through the years include a major addition in the rear of the church built in 1868, the addition was later turned into the present chapel around the turn of the century. The Sunday School building (now used as a day care center) was constructed in the mid 1970’s. The main church consists of many original and antique furnishings. The organ in the church is a vintage 1922 Mohler pipe organ. The  interior of the main church is generally considered to be one of the most beautiful in Vicksburg..

Below the main church is our parish hall, used for a variety of activities, such as Bible classes, youth programs, congregational meetings, etc. A kitchen adjoins the parish hall. A chapel is also located beneath the main church and is used for early Sunday services, small weddings, Lenten Services, and individual devotions.

Being historic structures, the church and rectory require continual inspection and upkeep. An especially vigorous program of renovation has been conducted during the past decade.