Beneath the red-roofed steeple of Christ and Saint Stephen’s Church lies a history woven from mergers and migrations. This Episcopal church stands as the oldest religious structure on the Upper West Side. But its story starts long before its current location.
Founded in 1805 as Saint Stephen’s Church, it was the fifth Episcopal parish in New York. The first church stood at Broome and Chrystie Streets. Imagine the city then a far cry from today’s skyscrapers.
By 1866, the congregation began moving uptown. The rector, Rev. Joseph H. Price, decided to sell the original building. For a few years, the congregation wandered. Then, in 1873, Saint Stephen’s merged with the Church of the Advent on West 46th Street.
But the story doesn’t end there. The location proved unsuitable. In 1897, the parish purchased a simple brick chapel on West 69th Street. This chapel belonged to the Church of the Transfiguration. On October 3, 1897, Saint Stephen’s held its first service in its new home. The unpretentious church still had a remnant of its suburban garden.
The move caused some friction. Christ Church was another Episcopal church nearby. Established in 1793, it was older and larger. Christ Church wasn’t happy about the competition. They even filed a lawsuit, claiming Saint Stephen’s was infringing on parish boundaries. The suit failed. Saint Stephen’s was allowed to stay.
Over the years, both Saint Stephen’s and Christ Church faced challenges. The city’s population shifted. Church attendance declined. Social conflicts arose. By the 1970s, both congregations were dwindling.
In 1975, a solution emerged a merger. Saint Stephen’s and Christ Church joined together. They became Christ and Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church. The combined congregation worshipped in the former St. Stephen’s Church on West 69th Street.
Interestingly, Christ Church was later demolished. However, its organ was saved. Originally built in 1865, it was moved to Saint Stephen’s. This historic organ continues to fill the church with music.
Christ and Saint Stephen’s Church has a rich musical history. It has supported various musical endeavors. These include early music groups and brass ensembles. The church also encouraged original compositions.
The Christ and Saint Stephen’s Church even had a fellowship in Church Music. Graduate students joined the staff. They assisted the director of music. This program aimed to nurture talent and enrich the church’s music program.
In 2004, disaster struck. A portion of the ceiling collapsed. The collapse revealed structural problems. The church decided to completely restore the interior. The renovation resulted in a more flexible space, new pews and improved lighting.
Today, Christ and Saint Stephen’s Church stands as a testament to resilience and unity. It represents the merging of two historic parishes. It continues to serve its community. The church is a beacon of faith and a haven of history on the Upper West Side.