By Anne W. Semmes
Last Sunday morning, 310 men, women, and children filled the pews of Christ Church Greenwich to celebrate the Church’s 275 anniversary in an historical service. They entered to a Prelude circa 17th century played by Church organist and British educated Jonathan Vaughn. They took their seats to see the Order of Service was dated from 1662.
With the music flowing from the traditional men and boys choir led by British educated Jamie Hitel, the opening hymn began, “I’ll praise my Maker while I’ve breath,” words by Isaac Watts of the 18th century. Another hymn followed, “Let us with a gladsome mind,” written by John Milton, circa 13th century. In between hymns, there was that history to read in the Church leaflet the attendees were given, how those first worshippers had come from England, and how in 1706 the first Episcopal service had taken place in a private Greenwich home, some 40 years after the 1665 incorporation of the Town of Greenwich.
So, Christ Church began as the Horse Neck Chapel in 1749 on Put’s Hill across the street. But a hurricane destroyed that Chapel in 1821 and thanks to the generosity of a Mr. William Knapp, land was secured on the south side of the Post Road and a new stone building – Christ Church was built for $2, 280.
The Rev. Marek Zabriskie then rose to the pulpit and welcomed everyone, sporting a slight change to his frock of a pair of preacher ties to recall those earlier days. He first noted for all how “very few churches in our country are this old, and very few will survive to celebrate a 275th anniversary…There are perhaps just five or ten Episcopal churches in this country this old, this large, that are rapidly growing.” He also noted for comparison, “When our parish was founded in 1749, Princeton University was three years old.”
And though the Reverend’s sermon, chock full of history, was under 20 minutes long, back in the 18th century, “Every minister in New England,” he told, “delivered sermons that lasted between one and two hours. And you thought my sermons were long!”
When it came to Communion time, there was an alteration consistent to the past. The altar was placed against the back wall of the church rather than standing forward. So, in the old days, the celebrants had their backs to the congregation. And, back in 1749 there would have been no woman celebrants. (The altar has now been returned to its forward position.)
The service ended with that familiar hymn, “O God our help in ages past,” sung through the ages and written by Isaac Watts, often called the “Father of English hymnody.” Everyone then departed to Henry Purcell’s 17th century Organ Voluntary, “Trumpet Tune and Air,” and made their way downstairs to the Parish Hall for the historic brunch.
And there laid out on a long table was a vintage selection of “Fire Roasted Turkey with herb mayo, a Cured Ham with grain mustard, Hasty Pudding with Bacon, Johnny Cakes cornmeal pancakes + Maple Syrup, 5 Grain Root Vegetables, Corn, White Bean, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Pecans, Wood Fired Breads”, and for dessert, “Rustic Apple Cobbler.”
Whilst everyone feasted, whilst the next generation of churchgoers cleared the tables, the Town’s First Selectman Fred Camillo was introduced to share his historically official proclamation. “Whereas Christ Church is celebrating its founding in the Town of Greenwich in the year of 1749, and whereas Christ Church is commemorating its 275th anniversary celebration with an historical worship service on January 21, 2024.
“Whereas Christ Church remains a vibrant and growing faith leader in Greenwich for spiritual nourishment and fellowship throughout the community, whereas Christ Church faithfully and financially supports more than 20 community organizations in Greenwich and in Fairfield County. And whereas Christ Church volunteers have given their time and help to local nonprofits that have provided thousands of meals in the past year for Neighbor to Neighbor, the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Inspirica, Pacific House, and to the people in need in Ukraine.
“And whereas the Town of Greenwich wishes to acknowledge the historical role that Christ Church has played in town since the Church’s founding, while honoring all the ways that the Church has made the Town a better place for all. Now therefore, I, Fred Camillo, the First Selectman of the Town of Greenwich do hereby proclaim January 21, 2024, as Christ Church Day.”
Going forward a host of former ministers will be returning to Christ Church “Honoring Our Past” in this celebratory year, including Dr. Jim Lemler (February 10), Rev. Sandy and Rev. Dr. David Stayner (March 3), Rev. James Lee Walker (April 7), and the Very Rev. Dane Boston (May 5). And on May 12 there will be a Bury Time Capsule: To be opened in 2049 for the 300th Anniversary!
