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Original Chapel 1893
Three lots at the corner of Marshall and Noble Streets were purchased in 1891 at a cost of $1,600. The original chapel was built in 1893, first occupied on December 3rd of that year, but was not formally dedicated until December 13, 1896, after “Christ Reformed Church” had been officially organized as a congregation of the former Philadelphia Classis. The first “chapel consisted of little more than walls and roof, heat provided by two stoves, lighting by gas.” Total cost, $6,868. Preacher at the 1896 dedication was the Rev. Dr. S. R. Bridenbaugh, then pastor of Second Church, Reading, but who had been pastor of Ascension Church, Norristown, when this congregation, on January 5, 1890, organized the mission Sunday School which was to become Christ Church.
Enlarged Chapel 1901
After an additional lot was purchased, the original chapel was enlarged in the Spring of 1901, adding two rooms at the rear “to alleviate in some measure the cramped conditions in the Sunday School.” The enlarged chapel was re-dedicated September 22, 1901, with the sermon by the Rev. Dr. Lott K. Evans, pastor of Trinity Church, Pottstown. This enlarged chapel was further improved in 1913 by the installation of pews, electric lights, a pipe organ, maple floors, pulpit furniture, etc., and thus appointed, with minor changes through the years, housed the congregation and Church School until the new church was dedicated in 1931.
Church and Parsonage After 1904
With year-dates inserted by the present author, this is the way Pastor Bates described developments in the Tenth Anniversary booklet. “We advanced step by step. First, three lots then the chapel enlarged (1901), another lot and a half, and lastly a parsonage built (1904).”
Source for all of above: “Christ Church Story” by James E. Wagner, 75th Anniversary Year - 1971
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