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 Issac 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.

In 1947 Christ Church’s rare hammer beam ceiling was complemented by her most renowned beautiful memorial gift consisting of a series of matching eighteen stained glass windows inscribed with the Beatitudes and in harmony with each other giving a narrative of the story of the life of Christ.

During the Civil War, Union Naval vessels under the area 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.

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.

Christ Church and the parish house have been entered in the National Register of Historic Places.

Historical Significance to the Community:

Our Parish House has had and continues to have a significant connection to the community through the Cub Scouts, Community Lenten Lunches, Pastoral and Marriage counseling, and LaCasa afterschool program. In the 50s and 60s Friday night community teen dances were held in the auditorium, chaperoned by Miss Hattie Harney, a respected but very stern teacher and elementary school principal. Miss Harney demanded proper manners and even produced a guidebook for proper behavior. She was known for walking around the dance floor with her ruler sliding it between the couples reminding them not to dance too close. People still talk about Miss Hattie and those dances.

Our sanctuary is used for various musical events including the Elizabeth City Music Club and individual recitals. Since the Summer of 2003, Christ Church has sponsored The “Canned” Summer Music Festival during the months of June, July and August. The Festival serves two purposes: to provide concerts to help stave off those Summer doldrums, and, most importantly, to raise food and monetary donations to The Food Bank of the Albemarle, a local food pantry. It is during these Summer months that the stores at food pantries nationwide are most depleted, as children are away from their school meals. Each year is a growing success in attendance and therefore in donations. Another interesting spin-off of the Festival is bringing in varying musicians from all walks of life and location. It also provides an ecumenical gathering that exposes the area’s musical talent and the church’s physical assets, beauty and artistic integrity.

The Community:

Elizabeth City is the commercial, professional and educational center of the historic Albemarle region. It is a thriving community serving a market of 100,000 people in Northeastern North Carolina. The city is generously endowed by nature. It is situated on the Pasquotank River and is the county seat of Pasquotank County, which was named for a tribe of Indians who formerly occupied the area. Historic "firsts" include an open rebellion against the King of England in 1677 (100 years before the Boston Tea Party), the first public school and the first General Assembly of the Carolinas. In 1822, the Dismal Swamp Canal was completed, and Elizabeth City became a shipping center on the Intra-coastal Waterway. The United States Coast Guard Complex located outside of Elizabeth City is the largest in the world. Missions by the airplanes and helicopters from the Air Station, the Aviation Logistics Center (formerly known as the Aircraft Repair and Supply Center) and the Atlantic Strike Team Command provide the city with an international exposure.

Elizabeth City is home to Elizabeth City State University, a four-year liberal arts state university, College of the Albemarle, a two-year community college, and Mid-Atlantic Christian University (formerly Roanoke Bible College), a four-year religious-oriented institution. The Arts include a community theater group, concert series, art shows, craft fairs, college drama and musical presentations, all of which provide a full range of cultural opportunities. The city has a large park system and a community center. Boaters know The Great Loop, a route that connects with North America's Eastern waterways. The City has free 48-hour dockage at Mariner's Wharf on the Pasquotank River which is designated a stop on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program.

Visitors may enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, a walking tour of the city's six National Register Historic Districts, a self-guided tour of six historical markers that tell the story of local history during the Civil War, or a boat tour of the harbor. On Saturday mornings during the months of May through October there is the Downtown Waterfront Market. Children can visit Port Discover, a center for hands-on science projects. Downtown is also home to many antique and specialty shops, art galleries, a state museum, theatres, pubs and restaurants.

Certain times of the year the Downtown is host for fireworks displays, the Harbor Arts Festival, an International Powerboat Cup, numerous regattas, such as the Moth Boat Regatta, and other waterfront events. Elizabeth City State University's Planetarium is open to the public to explore the many wonders of astronomy. In Elizabeth City one can "be entranced by our past, be inspired by our art, be engaged by our surroundings;" and take a stroll through history in the "River City", known as the "Harbor of Hospitality."

Location:

A map and directions to the church are on the church’s website, www.christchurch-ec.org. We are located at the crossing of Church and South McMorrine Streets, right in the heart of Elizabeth City, two blocks west from the water front park. The church is also listed on the historic walking tour of Elizabeth City in the Main Street Commercial District.

The church is available for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Volunteers would be the guides. However, all tourists and visitors are invited to join us in all of our worship services.