Christ Church, Rochester
Christ Church, located on East Avenue in Rochester, stands as both a spiritual and architectural landmark. Constructed between 1883 and 1894, the church was designed by the prominent architect Robert Gibson in the Gothic Revival style. Built from rock-faced red Albion sandstone, the structure features distinctive elements such as flying buttresses, a polygonal apse, and a soaring bell tower with pinnacles and a stair turret. The attached Ferris House, completed in 1924, adds a multi-purpose facility with meeting halls, a gymnasium, and classroom spaces. Christ Church is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Eastman Historic District.
The church鈥檚 basilica-style interior offers a dramatic setting for worship, filled with light filtered through its clerestory windows. Music plays a central role in its liturgical life, highlighted by the celebrated Craighead-Saunders organ, an internationally acclaimed instrument crafted specifically for this space. The choir and frequent concerts, including collaborations with the Eastman School of Music, further elevate the church鈥檚 reputation as a cultural hub.
Far more than a historical monument, Christ Church is an active parish within the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester. Its community is committed to worship, study, and outreach, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs. The church promotes inclusion and hospitality, inviting all to the communion table and offering a wide range of ministries that reflect both spiritual and practical care鈥攚hether delivering hot meals, providing pastoral support, or nurturing conversation and faith formation.
Christ Church also embraces artistic expression and contemplative practices. In addition to its regular services, it hosts candlelight and virtual concerts, gallery exhibits, and seasonal events.
The church鈥檚 basilica-style interior offers a dramatic setting for worship, filled with light filtered through its clerestory windows. Music plays a central role in its liturgical life, highlighted by the celebrated Craighead-Saunders organ, an internationally acclaimed instrument crafted specifically for this space. The choir and frequent concerts, including collaborations with the Eastman School of Music, further elevate the church鈥檚 reputation as a cultural hub.
Far more than a historical monument, Christ Church is an active parish within the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester. Its community is committed to worship, study, and outreach, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs. The church promotes inclusion and hospitality, inviting all to the communion table and offering a wide range of ministries that reflect both spiritual and practical care鈥攚hether delivering hot meals, providing pastoral support, or nurturing conversation and faith formation.
Christ Church also embraces artistic expression and contemplative practices. In addition to its regular services, it hosts candlelight and virtual concerts, gallery exhibits, and seasonal events.
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Christ Church on Map
Sight Name: Christ Church
Sight Location: Rochester, USA (See walking tours in Rochester)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rochester, USA (See walking tours in Rochester)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rochester, New York
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