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A warm welcome to all! Christ Church is a unique and historic place of worship reminiscent of the Anglican Mission style churches of Old Florida. We offer heartfelt Bible-based Episcopal services every Sunday at 10:00 AM, with an open invitation to newcomers of any age, sect or creed. Join us and celebrate the love of Christ and the fellowship of those who follow him.
The parish of Christ Church is a part of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida having The Rt. Rev. John W. Howe as its Bishop. Both the parish and the Diocese are part of the American Anglican Council.
Our church family here at Christ Church consists of approximately 85 family units. We may be small but we are close-knit. This is because be believe Jesus Christ our Lord is at the center of everything we do. Knowing His saving grace, we are not ashamed of the gospel; we firmly believe it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. We further know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Jesus said, "Come to me all ye who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Through the love of the Father, our doors are open to everyone who wishes to commune and worship with us. As encouraged by Hebrews 10:25, everyone is welcome. |
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Our priest, David Knox, has been with Christ Church since 1999. Recently becoming an American citizen, his roots are in Sydney, Australia. He has served in three An glican and Episcopal churches before accepting his calling here as Rector. Warm hearted and open, he preaches from the Bible each Sunday, elucidating and teaching its message in a manner that is relevant to living in this present age; thus underscoring our motto, “Upholding Scriptural Authority”. He identifies with Christ Church as its shepherd and leads its people in a loving and concerned manner.
Christ Church is located in the historic district of Longwood, Florida. It is small in size but large in heart, having a seating capacity of up to 200 parishioners. Being of wood construction with a metal roof, the church is retains its basic construction pattern it had in the late 1800s. The building is quaint and warm and in demand for weddings and other community functions; however, all requests for such events must be processed through the church office in accordance with the Vestry. Where our sign declares we uphold scriptural authority, our heart is centered in Jesus Christ, our Lord. It is only through Him and because of Him that we have our salvation and exist as a church. We praise His name daily. |
The Christian congregation known as Christ Church began meeting and growing along with the Longwood community in the 1870's. First in people's homes and then in a small log schoolhouse on the property of one of Longwood's founders Mr. E. W. Henck. Their first recorded activity was Mr. F.H. Rand's daughter's baptism on Easter Day 1877. Later the child's grandparents visited and saw the need for a church building and so began fundraising for it upon their return to Boston.
Mr. Henck donated six acres on what is now Church Avenue (including where the police station now stands) and the congregation built on its east end, around 1880. They chose the board and batten "Carpenter Gothic" style, fashionable at the time. The furnishings were all gifts and the earliest are dated 1879. Many were made locally and others came from the original Holy Cross parish building in Sanford that was destroyed in a hurricane in 1880. Christ Church then consisted of nine families and twenty communicants, but no official minister. The congregation took care of itself and was visited occasionally by traveling clergymen. Their new building was dedicated Easter 1882 and in 1883 clergy visits became regular, however it was only in 1955 that the first full-time pastor was appointed.
Christ Church has thrived together with Longwood for over 130 years. Its building is the oldest continuously-used Christian meeting house in Seminole County. In 2004, damage was caused to the church buildings by hurricanes Charlie, Francis, and Jean. We are pleased to report all damage has been repaired.
Note that you can find a more in-depth history of Christ Church and its relation to Longwood in "History of the Church" (click the title or go to the menu under "Welcome"). |
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