Our History
The first effort to establish an Episcopal Parish in the area was made in 1850 or 1851, by The Rev'd. Asa Griswold. At the end of December, 1853, The Rev'd. James A. Robinson visited to determine interest in establishing an Episcopal Parish. On the first Sunday in January, 1854, Fr. Robinson officiated with a large congregation.
On March 1, 1854, The Rt. Rev'd. William H. Delancey, then Bishop of the Diocese of Western New York, gave his approval for the organization of a Protestant Episcopal Parish at Hornellsville, Steuben County, New York. The newly formed parish met in Washington Hall for approximately seven years, until the building of the present Christ Church. In 1859 the Vestry purchased a lot owned by Judge Hawley for the sum of one thousand dollars. This lot was subsequently exchanged with Martin Adsit for the one on which Christ Church now stands, at the corner of Main and Center Streets. The cornerstone of Christ Episcopal Church was laid on May 2, 1860. On Christmas Day, December 25, 1860, the first worship service was held.
In 1954, Christ Church celebrated a century of service to God and the community. On Tuesday, July 16, 1957, fire swept through the interior of the sanctuary. While initially expected to be a total loss, efforts of the fire departments to save the building paid off. Firefighters broke through the roof instead of breaking the stained glass windows to pour water on the fire. Worship continued in the Parish Hall during the summer. Over time, the church was restored to the beautiful interior you see today.
In 2004, Christ Church celebrated its 150th anniversary.







