Christ Community Church

In the heart of Oak Cliff, stands Christ Community Church. A church with a history as rich and enduring as the city itself. Christ Community Church has been a cornerstone of faith and community in Dallas since 1890. Initially chartered as a mission by Bishop Alexander C. Garrett, the first church building was consecrated in 1894. Located near the end of the streetcar line, the church quickly became a hub for the growing community. The first marriage at Christ Church united two of its charter members, Lena Parks and Charles Gulick, in 1894. Their legacy lives on in the stained-glass windows of the current church, a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. Christ Church transitioned from mission to fully organized parish in 1913, under the leadership of Rev. J.B. Whaling. In 1921, the church moved to its current location. The design was inspired by St. Martin of Tours Church in Omaha, where the then-rector, Rev. John Wallis Ohl, had previously served. Built in a cruciform shape, the church was envisioned as an overturned ark, a symbol of refuge and hope. The mid-20th century brought significant changes to Oak Cliff. The introduction of liquor sales, evolving zoning laws, and the rise of car culture reshaped the community. These shifts impacted Christ Church, leading to a decline in membership. Despite these challenges, the church persevered. The arrival of Rev. A. Harrison Lee III in 1970 marked a new chapter. Father Lee’s twenty-four-year tenure saw the church embrace the changing demographics of Oak Cliff, fostering a sense of inclusivity and resilience. In 1997, under the leadership of Father John Harrison Heidt, Christ Church held its first Spanish language Mass, further reflecting the evolving community it serves. Today, Christ Community Church continues to thrive under the leadership of Rev. Fabian Villalobos, the church’s first Rector of Latin/Hispanic descent. The church remains a beacon of hope and faith, its doors open to all who seek the love and community of Christ. The stained-glass window of Our Lady of Guadalupe, installed in 2015, serves as a reminder of the diverse community that calls Christ Church home.