Our History

Christ Episcopal Church was built in 1874 in Denton, MD. It was part of St. Mary’s Whitechapel Parish, a colonial parish originally formed in 1725 as part of the Church of England in Dorchester County. The parish included land that would later become Caroline County in 1774. Although other churches were built throughout the parish, only Christ Episcopal Church remains active today in Caroline County.

Following the Revolutionary War the parish fell into decline as clergy returned to England, but in 1870 the parish was reorganized by several prominent Denton businessmen. Although the Civil War had only recently ended, and Caroline County citizens had fought for both the Union and the Confederacy, Caroline’s citizens came together in unity to build this new church in Denton.

Reverend George F. Beaven, the rector of St. John’s Parish, was asked to serve temporarily and a vestry was organized to govern the church. For several years, services were held in the Caroline County Courthouse or in a home on Second Street in Denton. In 1872, Dr. Edward J. Stearns was the rector of Christ Church and he began to raise funds to build a church at the current Gay Street location. In 1873 the J.W. Bryant house and land were purchased and local contractor Samuel H. Fluharty was hired to construct a gothic-styled church. In April 1874 the church was completed at a cost of $2522 and was consecrated by Bishop Henry C. Lay. For the next 150 years Christ Church has constantly served the citizens of Caroline County.

Christ Episcopal Church members also support Caroline Pride, Summerfest, Alcoholics Anonymous, Childrens Home Foundation, Episcopal Relief and Development, The Beat Goes On, Choptank Ruritans, Caroline Cycles and many other organizations. Parishioners today remain dedicated to bringing the knowledge and love of Christ to others and offering comfort and healing wherever possible. The church that was built 150 years ago with the purpose of reconciliation following the Civil War is today a place where all are welcome, where all may be reconciled and where God’s love awaits you. Please come visit us at 9:30 on Sunday mornings!