Christ Church

One of the oldest church buildings still standing in downtown Houston, on 31Christ Church, provides a rare illustration of late nineteenth century Gothic Revival architecture in Houston's central business district. The ornate detailing to and sophisticated craftsmanship distinguish the structure as an important architectural landmark in the city.

Established in 1839, the Christ Episcopal Church reportedly is the oldest organized congregation in Houston. The church purchased land at the north east corner of Texas and Fannin in 1843 and in two years, erected a small brick building.As Houston continued to grow, the congregation of Christ Church also increased, and the need for a larger church building became paramount. In 1859 a new brick building was constructed which served until 1892. During that year, the east wall collapsed because of structural defects, and the church decided to demolish the building and construct a new facility. On Good Friday, 1893, the cornerstone was laid for a new structure which incorporated the salvaged bricks from the old building.By Christmas Day of 1893, the church was completed and services were held for the first time in the building.

Joseph Arthur Tempest and Silas McBee designed the church utilizing a late Gothic Revival style. Tempest and McBee's plan expanded upon an earlier collaboration,the adjacent Guild Hall, which was constructed in 1892, and called for highly skilled masonry work. Tempest was a practicing architect who joined the church after moving from Toronto, Canada in 1891. McBee, the principal designer for the building, was an Episcopal layman from Sewanee, Tennessee with strong religious convictions. He concerned himself with all facets of his religion, ranging from Christian philosophy to architecture. Gothic Revival, McBee believed, most adequately expressed the composition, tone, and proportions for religious architecture, and he incorporated this style into the design for Christ Church.

Since its completion, Christ Church has remained as one of the few nineteenth century, non-commercial structures within an area becoming increasingly dominated by imposing, high-rise buildings. The church has continued to prosper throughout the years despite the relocation of other similar downtown churches to the suburbs. Many of Houston's most prominent citizens have belonged to the church and have played a vital role in the church's continued success.

Other than the 1938 fire which destroyed much of the east wing, the building has remained virtually unaltered since its completion. The property being nominated to the National Register includes the church, Guild Hall (1892), Golding Chapel (1938), the Latham Building (1951), and Cleveland Hall (1962). All of these structures are interconnected and are vital elements of the church and its functions.