Christ Church -

A Brief History

In March 1834, the Reverend Alexander Varian shepherded the organizing of an Episcopal parish in Springfield, Ohio. On December 7, 1834, the founding members of the parish adopted a formal resolution and took the name of All Souls Church. The Parish of All Souls was incorporated by a special act of the Legislature of Ohio, March 14, 1836. On Christmas Day, 1841, the charter was amended and the name of the Parish of All Souls was changed to Christ Church.

The first church building was completed in July 1844. In April 1871, the demand for a larger and better equipped church building resulted in the allocation of the land the church stands on today. The building of the current church began in April 1872, and completed in 1874.

In 1907, the parish house was completed and dedicated as a memorial to Governor Asa S. Bushnell and his wife, Ellen Ludlow Bushnell. Mrs. Bushnell was a lifelong member of Christ Church.

We benefit to this day from Mrs. Bushnell's generosity. Christ Church has one of a handful of operating Skinner organs in the world-a gift from Mrs. Bushnell. Beginning in 1917, Ernest M. Skinner personally supervised the organ's construction until its completion in 1919.

Christ Church was not spared from the effects of the Great Depression. In May 1937 the vestry considered closing the church for twelve Sundays during the Summer of that year, but did not. The Depression also adversely impacted the only other Episcopal Church in the county.

The Church of the Heavenly Rest was founded in 1889 as a mission sponsored by Christ Church. On April 14, 1939, exactly 50 years after the founding of the Church of the Heavenly Rest, it was merged with Christ Church.

The altar from the Church of the Heavenly Rest resided in the west transept and was referred to as the "chapel" until 1960. In 1960 a chapel was built in the undercroft of Christ Church and is known today as the Chapel of the Heavenly Rest.

The property where the Church of the Heavenly Rest resided was reverted to the Diocese and later sold. The proceeds of the sales were put into a trust for the benefit of Christ Church. The records over the years since indicate that the income from this trust was used again and again, when no other funds were available, for a myriad of needs. Truly, the Church of the Heavenly Rest lives on.

In January 1939, Mrs. Ellen Hollenbeck acquired, as a gift to Christ Church, the property immediately east of the church building. This gift was a memorial to her late husband Ralph, who died in 1938. The property came to be called the Hollenbeck House and served as the rectory in the 40s and 50s. Today it houses the church offices, classrooms, a pantry and a large meeting room.

In 1950 and 1961, several major renovations were completed.

In 1989, the East Entrance was completed, an elevator installed and several improvements were made in the hope of removing barriers for people with disabilities.

In 1997, several restoration projects including the painting of the nave and refinishing of the woodwork in the chancel and nave were completed. Air conditioning for both the church building and Hollenbeck House were added in 1998.

In August 2003, restoration of the Skinner ordgan began. There are three phases planned. Phase one restored the Great Swell organ to its original condition, resulting in a crisper, clearer sound; more versatility and the ability to hold its tune. Phase one was completed in November 2003.

Phases two and three will be completed as funds become available. If you have any question, please contact Reverend Charlotte Reed, Dr. Christopher Durrenberger or any vestry member.

In February 2008, restoration of our basement will be completed providing us with much needed space.

Those members that preceded us were generous and conscientious stewards. They sacrificed much to insure our future and the future of Christ Church. As history is made, we pray that we will never forget to honor those who gave unselfishly and that we will continue their legacy of stewardship.