Christ Episcopal Church: A Green Space for Everyone - 64 State Street

The courtyard/pocket park next to Christ Episcopal Church underwent a major renovation in recent years and has become a favorite gathering spot in the city. During August and September, there are noontime concerts here every Thursday, and during the other seasons throughout the year, the church often features noontime music inside in the sanctuary.

The Gothic-style church was built from Vermont granite in 1868, and the parish house annex at the end of the courtyard was added later. Originally, the tower had a steeple on top of it, as pictured in this postcard photo, but between a major fire, and then the devastating flood of 1927, it became destabilized and was eventually removed in 1963. The lovely interior has a Gothic vaulted ceiling and rose window and is well worth a look if the church is open.

There is a green space on the other side of the church as well. It’s called the Ralph Geer Memorial Garden. Since it’s designed to be a sacred, meditative space the gate is usually locked, but if the parish house office is open you can ask for permission to go inside.