Christ Church Episcoal New Brunswick

Historic Christ Church in New Brunswick, N.J., was organized in 1742. The land on which it sits was leased to the church by Philip French for 2000 years, costing “one peppercorn per year.”

The first church was torn down in 1852, and the larger building was constructed. The church steeple, built in 1773, is the only surviving portion of the original structure.

The third reading of the Declaration of Independence occurred in the church’s shadow in 1776. The first organizing meeting of the new Episcopal Church and the organizing convention for the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey were held here in 1784.

Historically, parish membership included important local figures with national significance (such as American poet Joyce Kilmer and the Johnson and Johnson brothers). It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Christ Church supports the community of New Brunswick in many ways. Elijah’s Promise was originally founded at Christ Church. We are a charter member of the Choice Food and Unity Center Church, host the New Brunswick Rotating Men’s Shelter during winter months, and run the Laundry Love project to assist NB residents with laundry services.