Did you know that Christ Church celebrates over a century of history? It stands as a landmark in Southern Nevada. By any name, Christ Church has played a key role in Southern Nevada. It has seen tragedies. It has been at the forefront of controversial issues.
Now, let’s delve into the story of Christ Church Episcopal. This church wasn’t Nevada’s first Episcopal church. But Christ Church was Las Vegas’ first consecrated church building in 1908. It stood at Second Street and Carson Avenue then.
Two key figures in the church’s founding were Charles P. and Delphine Squires. C.P. Squires was publisher of the Las Vegas Age. Mrs. Squires was known as Mom. In 1903, the Squires and Chris N. Brown petitioned the Episcopal bishop of Utah to establish a mission church in Las Vegas. The city had about 300 residents then. Not all were Episcopalians.
After three years, Bishop Franklin Spalding promised to send a priest to Las Vegas. Six months later, Rev. Harry Gray arrived in Las Vegas on Oct. 6, 1907. The first service took place the next day. The congregation met in homes and the Elks lodge. They even met in the opera house at First and Fremont streets. The new church building was consecrated in 1908.
Mom and Pop Squires were at the forefront. They brought determination and a can-do spirit. Bishop Thomas Jenkins had an agreement with unmarried priests. They would remain single for five years. One vicar married. Mom got upset. She went to the Methodist church to underscore her displeasure.
When leaders sat down to finalize its name in 1947, they decided on The Episcopal Church of Christ the King. Mrs. Squires threw a fit. She said, “It’s Christ Church. You’ve got to call it Christ Church.” They called it Christ Church.
By 1947, the church had grown enough to be named a parish. In 1962, the congregation consecrated its current church on Maryland Parkway. Mrs. Jessie Hunt donated the land. The Spanish mission-styled edifice has been home to decades of memories.
Richard Bryan was baptized at Christ Church. He served as an altar boy. Once, he was given matches to light an altar candle. He remembered his mother’s warning to never play with matches.
Clara Bow was a member. So were Nevada Gov. Vail Pittman and actress Betty Grable. Archbishop of Canterbury Arthur Michael Ramsey preached from the pulpit in 1967.
In 1955, a member of the parish killed one of its priests. Rev. T. Malcolm Jones had been counseling a man named Ray Smith. Smith shot Jones dead.
Christ Church was picketed in 2003. This was due to the Episcopal Church’s accepting stance on gay people. The church hosted a preschool program for HIV-positive children in the early ’90s.
Christ Church is welcoming to have a diverse presence. The annual fall Lobster Fair was suggested over 35 years ago. It seemed that the idea for lobsters in the desert has been here ever since.
Christ Church extends a special welcome to those who are single or married. It welcomes those divorced or widowed. Everyone is welcome to Christ Church.
Christ Church also extends its outreach through Epicenter on the Parkway. This partners with agencies in the Las Vegas Valley. It helps individuals and families. The church has a food bank. It provides emergency food assistance. Christ Church joins with other churches to feed the hungry. David’s Digs provides assistance to homeless families. Treasure House Thrift Store financially supports community outreach.
Christ Church has evolved into a beacon. It is a beacon of faith and service. It provides spiritual guidance. It actively addresses community needs. This enduring landmark is a testament to faith, resilience, and an openhearted embrace.