| St. Christopher's By the Sea |
 Chatham, Massachusetts |
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church history1960 Four Episcopalians meet at the home of Winifred and Charles Shepard to establish an Episcopal church in Chatham. With the support of The Rev. James L. Babcock of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Orleans, the group rents the American Legion Hall on School Street 1961 During Lent, the first services are held. Three weeks later, members lease the 100-year old Universalist Church on Main Street. 1962 Members buy the Universalist Church and begin extensive renovations. An altar and altar rail are built and the 115-year-old Stevens tracker organ is repaired. On June 20, Bishop Anson Phelps Stokes, Jr. appoints a committee to organize a St. Christopher’s mission. 1963 On May 1, the Diocese of Massachusetts officially recognizes Christopher's. 1967 The Rev. W. Gilbert Dent is elected rector. He and his family occupy the first vicarage at 115 Old Harbor Road. St. Christopher’s mission continues to expand under Father Dent's leadership. The church petitions the Diocese of Massachusetts to become a parish. 1969 The Rev. Carl G. Carlozzi succeeds Father Dent as rector. Under Father Carlozzi’s leadership, the church undergoes more renovations. St. Christopher’s also buys an abandoned gas station on adjoining property, puts up a fence along Main Street and plants new trees and shrubs. 1970 Albert H. Humphreville leaves a major bequest to the parish. The gift helps establish three trusts: the New Church Fund, Property Endowment, and the Foundation for Aid to Others. 1974 St. Christopher’s buys a new rectory and the building undergoes additional renovation under the supervision of Cannon West of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. 1976 St. Christopher's Thrift and Gift Shop opens with great fanfare. 1977 The church launches a fundraising drive to raise $400,000 for expansion. Plans call for a chapel with sacristy, a parish hall with kitchen and a bell tower. The drive is a success. 1978 Construction begins on May 10 and continues throughout the year. 1979 With Bishop John B. Coburn attending, the new facility is dedicated on June 3. Representatives from all Chatham churches attend the ceremony. Community groups begin using the new parish hall. The congregation grows to 402 members and Rector Carlozzi begins a 5:00 P.M. Saturday Eucharist in the Arthur H. Sibley Chapel. The Thrift and Gift Shop moves to the renovated undercroft. 1980 Father Carlozzi resigns. In the interim, the Revs. Paul D. Wilbur, John T. Golding and Harold F. Shaffer serve devotedly, assisted by other ordained members of the church. 1982 St. Christopher's third rector, The Rev. Whitney H. Burr, assumes his duties in January 1982 and is formally instituted on June 29 by Bishop Coburn. After 20 years devoted to his parish and his community, even serving as chaplain for the local fire department and emergency services, The Rev. Burr retired in 2001. 2003
The Rev.
Brian W. McGurk is named St. Christopher’s fourth rector on May 1. He
added breadth to services with guest performers, evensong and special occasion
services. He enhanced St. Christopher's long-range plan with his vision for emphasis on
Pastoral Care and increasing our contribution to our Cape communities through
Outreach and Social Advocacy, and for augmentation of Adult Education programs
for the parish and the public. Children's education programs have been energized
and improved for toddlers through teens. Hospitality and Fellowship groups make
our parish welcoming to members and neighbors.
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