Founded in 1828, Christ Church Episcopal in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is one of the state’s oldest churches and a historic landmark closely connected to the early history of the University of Alabama and the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama.
On January 7, 1828, the Reverend Robert Davis and thirteen founding members signed the charter establishing Christ Church. The congregation soon hired a state architect to design the church building.
On June 20, 1828, church leaders purchased the current property from the Town of Tuscaloosa for $150. Construction moved quickly, and workers completed the church in 1830 at a cost of approximately $1,900.
That same year, Christ Church celebrated its first baptism and conducted its first funeral in April. The congregation hosted its first wedding in September.
From its earliest days, Christ Church played an important role in both Tuscaloosa and the Episcopal Church in Alabama.
On April 12, 1831, the University of Alabama held its charter ceremonies at Christ Church. In 1844, church leaders gathered here to elect Alabama’s first bishop, making the church a significant landmark in the history of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama.
As Union troops approached Tuscaloosa on April 3, 1865, the bell of Christ Church rang out to warn the community.
During the occupation that followed, Union authorities closed the church because the congregation had included prayers for the Confederacy in its services. Although much of Tuscaloosa and portions of the University of Alabama suffered destruction during the Civil War, Christ Church survived and continued its ministry.
Builders designed Christ Church in the Greek Revival architectural style, a design that remains one of the church’s defining features.
Over nearly two centuries, generations of parishioners have expanded, renovated, and maintained the church and its grounds. While the campus has evolved to meet the needs of a growing congregation, Christ Church continues to preserve its historic character and connection to the early history of Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama, and the Episcopal Church in Alabama.
Music has long been an important part of worship at Christ Church. In 1913, the congregation purchased an electric blower for the organ, eliminating the need for someone to manually pump air into the instrument.
In 1941, Christ Church installed a new pipe organ built by Austin Organs, Inc. That instrument served the parish for more than seventy-five years before the congregation welcomed its current pipe organ, Létourneau Opus 132, in 2018. Today, the organ continues a rich musical tradition that has shaped worship at Christ Church for generations.
Thirty-seven stained glass windows bring color and beauty to the Christ Church campus. Seventeen windows grace the main church, while eight illuminate the music hall. The chapel contains six stained glass windows, and four more are located in the narthex. An additional window in the Adam Grant Room honors the memory of Jim Kirby.
The church’s architectural treasures also include the stained glass domed chancel ceiling, which was installed in 1906 and remains a distinctive feature of the worship space.
In 1973, Christ Church received an Alabama historical marker funded by the Women of the Church. The church is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance to the history of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and the Episcopal Church.
For nearly two centuries, Christ Church has served as a place of worship, music, prayer, and community. We are grateful for the generations who have cared for this historic church and honored to worship within walls that have witnessed so much of Alabama’s history. As stewards of this legacy, we remain committed to preserving Christ Church for future generations.
There is a place for your in our vibrant and growing community! Take just a moment to fill out the form below so we can help you get connected.