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Church History

Brief History

Christ Church Episcopal was established by Bishop Charles Todd Quintard, Second Bishop of Tennessee, on Rugby's official opening day, October 5, 1880. This was done as a natural consequence of the fact that many of the English settlers had worshipped in the Church of England back home. The Church of England is the mother church of the Episcopal Church in the United States, and both are a part of the world-wide Anglican Communion.

For a few years the congregation shared the original Town Hall facilities with other denominations, the school, and the Masons and Oddfellows lodges. However, by 1887, Christ Church was able to construct its own building in its present location. The Carpenter Gothic design was constructed by Cornelius Onderdonk, who was responsible for several of Rugby's most beautiful buildings. The church contains its original furnishings, stained-glass windows, organ, and lamps, and thus has changed very little in appearance over the years.

Even after the town of Rugby began its decline in the 1890s, Christ Church continued as an important cultural center for the community and supported important missionary functions as well. The church building was always cared for by active members and never fell into disrepair or neglect. As Rugby has begun to grow again, Christ Church has experienced a new awakening with new members and an increasing mission focus.

"Friendly House" Parish Hall

One tangible result of this new awakening was the 1992 construction of a parish hall. It was named "Friendly House" after an old frame structure that stood on a nearby site in the 1930s and 1940s where mission work of the church centered. The current building is reminiscent of a Victorian stables and was designed by former Senior Warden Polly Allen. Every aspect of the Friendly House is the result of her expertise and vision for an appropriate and functional parish hall.

The Gothic arches on the front and the paint colors connect it architecturally to Christ Church. The stenciling around the interior walls was designed by Lovelle Atkisson, another church member, from symbols found in the church itself, and then hand-painted by other church members. The fireplace and the huge screened, back porch also add to the usefulness and ambiance of the Building. "Polly's Porch" in the front and "Irving's Porch" in the rear have been the scenes of many wonderful gatherings, not to mention the great room and its fireplace.

For more historical information take a Virtual Tour of Christ Church.

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