THE PROPERTY

Christ Church Parish is located at the corner of Blackrock Turnpike (State Rte. 58) and Cross highway in Redding Ridge, CT. The property consists of one building that houses the church and parish hall and another building across the lawn that serves as a rectory.

THE CHURCH

Although the church on this site dates back to 1732 (see Our History), the current church building was built in 1833. As you enter through the tall front doors, you pass through a small narthex into the nave with nine cushioned pews on either side of a center aisle. Below the vaulted ceiling, tall double-hung, multi-paned windows bring in natural light on both sides of the church. As you walk up the carpeted aisle, on one side you see the polished walnut pulpit, the Italian marble baptismal font, and the organ. On the other side you see the lectern and the choir stalls. Above the choir stalls are the pipes of our new organ. Before you is the altar and above it is the arched stained glass window depicting Jesus offering the Eucharistic cup. At certain times of year, the light shining through this window reflects a golden glow onto the crucifer’s cross as it is carried down the aisle. The overall atmosphere of our church is bright and warm with simple, yet classic, reverence.

THE PARISH HALL

As you exit the side of the church, you pass through a hallway leading to the offices of the rector and the parish administrator and then to the kitchen and parish hall. The parish hall is warm and welcoming. A corner furnished with comfortable seating invites casual conversation and hosts adult education discussions. Off of a lower hallway are five rooms used as classrooms, meeting rooms, offices, storage and nursery/child care.

OUTSIDE

On one side of the church is a graveyard dating to the mid-18th century. Where the property abuts Blackrock Turnpike remains a set of steps once used by parishioners as they exited and entered their horse-drawn carriages. Behind the parish hall is a fenced yard, and at the back of the property is our naturally landscaped Memorial Garden.

THE RECTORY

A short walk across the lawn from the church is the Rectory, made possible by the generous bequest of sisters Pippa and Joan Hollinghurst. The Rectory is a 3000 square foot colonial home built in 1997. It has a formal living room and a family room separated by a common fireplace, a dining room, kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a 2 car garage and a basement. Outside the back door is a flagstone patio and flower gardens.

MEMORIAL GARDEN