Christ Church: Episcopal

Christ Church: Episcopal

Photo credit to Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

Year Erected: 1959

Marker Text: The Reverend Lot Jones, while on a missionary tour of Georgia, founded Christ Episcopal Church on March 5, 1825. It was the first congregation organized in Macon. On December 26, 1826, the Georgia General Assembly enacted, "that Christopher B. Strong, Edward D. Tracy, Albert G. Clopton, Addison Mandell and Reuben Burroughs are hereby declared to be a body corporate, by the name and style of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the town of Macon and the County of Bibb." Under the leadership of the Reverend Seneca G. Bragg, the first church building was erected in 1834.

The Reverend Joseph A. Shanklin was rector when this gothic structure was erected. On Sunday, May 2, 1852, it was consecrated by The right Reverend Stephen Elliott, the first bishop of Georgia. James B. Ayres was the master builder. The original church bell was given to the Confederate Government in 1863 and in 1868 a new bell was presented to the church by A.A. Roff, a member. This bell bears the inscription: "On earth peace, good will to men."

Sidney Lanier, poet, was married to Miss Mary Day in Christ Church on December 19, 1867.

Tips for Finding This Marker: On Walnut Street, between 2nd and 3rd Streets in Macon.