A Living Legacy: The Story of Christ Episcopal Church, Binghamton

Christ Episcopal Church in Binghamton, New York, stands as the city’s oldest house of worship and one of its most architecturally treasured buildings. But more than that, it is a living testimony to the power of faith, the depth of tradition, and a community’s commitment to worship and service for over two centuries.

The parish’s roots stretch back to 1810, when a small group of Episcopalians first gathered under the name St. Ann’s, organized by Rev. Daniel Nash. By 1816, they had secured a plot of land in the growing village of Binghamton—then little more than a frontier settlement—and in 1818, the congregation was formally consecrated as Christ Church by The Rt. Rev. John Henry Hobart, Bishop of New York. The parish’s first church building, a wooden structure, was sold to the Methodists a few years later and replaced in 1822 by a new frame church that served the congregation faithfully for over three decades.

As the city grew during the canal and railroad boom, so too did Christ Church. By the early 1850s, the congregation envisioned a more enduring and beautiful structure—one that would both reflect the glory of God and serve as a spiritual center for the burgeoning community. They commissioned Richard Upjohn, the preeminent Gothic Revival architect of the era (best known for New York City’s Trinity Church), to design a grand stone church. Construction began in 1853, with local builder J. Stewart Wells overseeing the project using bluestone quarried in nearby Guilford. The result was a stunning Gothic structure, completed and opened for worship in 1855, with seating for 300 and soaring, pointed arches—a sanctuary of grace and permanence.

Yet the vision for the church was not fully complete. The original design included a steeple, but funding delays left it unfinished for nearly fifty years. In 1903, at the age of 81, Wells—still devoted to the church—personally saw the steeple completed, hauling stone and ensuring it was constructed according to Upjohn’s original plan. The next year, in 1904, the church added a set of bells cast in Troy, New York, their chimes donated by the Jarvis family and still echoing through the city today.

In the early 20th century, the parish prepared to celebrate its centennial with a series of significant interior renovations. Under the leadership of the Rev. Harry Longley, the church installed an Italian marble altar, mosaic flooring in the sanctuary, limestone pillars, carved choir stalls, and a majestic rood beam. The Gorham rose window, a brilliant piece of stained glass artistry, was added by 1918, completing the space with a sense of sacred beauty that continues to inspire worshippers and visitors alike.

The church’s physical grandeur earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, but its deeper significance lies in its ministry and mission. Throughout its history, Christ Church has been a beacon of outreach in Binghamton. In recent decades, the parish has become known for its CHOW® food pantry, Katie’s Clothing Closet, the Winter Warmth Project, and its longstanding commitment to justice, hospitality, and inclusion. The church has also opened its doors to community organizations and ecumenical initiatives, sharing its space and spirit generously with all.

Today, Christ Episcopal Church remains a vibrant spiritual home. With a sanctuary rich in color and symbolism—painted ceilings depicting the pelican of Christ, radiant stained glass, and a traditional liturgical layout—it stands as both a historic monument and an active center of worship and service. Legends even speak of the spirit of Joshua Whitney, early Binghamton settler and church benefactor, occasionally lingering in the halls—a poetic reminder of how deeply the past still shapes the present.

More than two centuries since its founding, Christ Episcopal Church continues to live out its mission: rooted in tradition, inspired by beauty, and alive with the Spirit of God. In the heart of downtown Binghamton, it remains a sacred space where all are welcome, and where the story of faith continues to unfold.