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The present location of the church was designated by General James Oglethorpe in his distinctive plan for the Savannah settlement. On the east and west side of each square in this plan, ‘trust lots’ were set aside for public buildings. The colony’s house of worship was assigned to an east trust lot on the first square on Bull Street, the central street of historic Savannah, then and now. Initially, the church had neither a building nor a name. Divine services took place in the courthouse building of the colony. Here the two most famous rectors of Christ Church parish exercised their ministry.
John Wesley, the third rector of the parish, served from 1736-1737. Although he desired to be a missionary to the Indians, Oglethorpe assigned him to serve in Savannah. In disagreement with many in his congregation, Wesley believed in weekly Sunday Communion and baptism by immersion. He taught a Sunday School program for children (reputedly the first in America) and in 1737 published a Collection of Psalms and Hymns, the first English hymnal in America. His famous conversion experience occurred after his return to England, where he continued to serve as an Anglican priest.
George Whitefield succeeded Wesley as priest responsible for the church in Savannah, serving intermittently from 1738-1740. He traveled extensively during this period, preaching with intensity and length that often exceeded the conventions prescribed by the Book of Common Prayer. His travels and preaching raised money for the colony’s Orphan House, which he named Bethesda.
In 1895, fire damaged the interior of the church. The resulting renovation created the interior form that exists today, the most striking feature of which is the Ascension window, a memorial to Stephen Elliott. The new interior arrangement also relocated the choir and organ to the rear gallery of the church. The brass altar rail, lectern and pulpit survived the fire.
The musical legacy that began with John Wesley returned with Francis Bland Tucker, rector of Christ Church from 1945-1967 and a major author of hymn texts.
The pattern of tradition and change continue strong in this historic parish located in the heart of Savannah. The 1928 prayer book and the 1979 prayer book are both in use, alongside the standard hymnal and a parish songbook. The parish hall that serves Sunday School classes on Sundays also serves lunch to the homeless on weekdays. Through word and sacrament and servant ministry, Christ Church continues to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. |
| Contact - Address & Website |
Phone: 912-232-9591
Address: 18 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31401
The Historic Christ Church of Savannah Website |
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