c. 1879
Universalist Church of America erects church building at 625 Main Street.
Archival photo, presumably 1897
The original steeple collapsed from the Universalist Church building in the hurricane of 1944.
1960
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 in the American Legion Hall. Three weeks later, members lease the Universalist building, where summer services are held.
1962
Members buy the Universalist building for $20,000 and begin extensive renovations. An altar and altar rail are built and the Stevens organ (built c. 1852) 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 St. Christopher’s Church, with 90 communicants.
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 is established as a parish by the Diocese of Massachusetts.
1969
The Rev. Carl G. Carlozzi
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.
1971
A Parish House is constructed and dedicated consisting of a Sacristy, Parish office, Choir Room, Rector’s Study and a new entry way, all in the rear of the Church on the land acquired in 1969.
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 in New York City.
1975
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.
Photo: Spencer Kennard
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
The Rev. Whitney H. Burr
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 retires in 2001.
Church Sanctuary, December, 1985
2003
The Rev. Brian W. McGurk is installed as St. Christopher’s fourth rector on September 21. Shortly following his installation, the church embarks on an extensive building and renovation campaign encompassing the entire facility. This campaign is completed in 2009. During Rector McGurk’s tenure, two successful capital campaigns are completed; mission work and enduring relationships are cultivated with communities in Maseno and Nairobi, Kenya, and Liberia; the Earth-Honoring Faith committee is established, working to encourage faithful stewardship of the earth and its resources; and the spiritual life of the congregation is enriched through spiritual formation, education, and a variety of worship experiences, including a weekly contemplative eucharist.
The Rev. Brian W. McGurk
2021
The Pieter J. Schiller Memorial Pipe Organ is installed in the spring/summer, and dedicated on Christ the King Sunday, November 21.
2023
The Rev. McGurk retires on August 27, 2023. The Rev. Dr. John Martiner serves as transitional priest.
2024
The Rev. Dr. Libby Catania serves as transitional priest.
Originally compiled by David Colfax Garre, subsequently updated