Christ Church was incorporated in Fitchburg, MA in 1863 during a time when several Protestant parishes of other denominations were starting up. Large donations from Alvah Crocker in 1864 and after were instrumental in obtaining the land on Main Street and building materials for the church. George Fay, his business partner and brother-in-law, also contributed heavily to the church, as did Augustus Whitman, a businessman and banker. The generosity of these men, their families, and others contributed to the building of the beautiful gray granite gothic-revival-style edifice. It was designed by Richard Upjohn of New York, completed in 1867, and consecrated in 1868. The structure was adapted in 1892 to assist the formation of a vested choir, and a parish house was added in 1893 to accommodate the children’s Sunday school and the numerous organizations then operating within the parish. The facility was further enlarged with a new chancel and chapel in 1927-1929.

Ever since the church was reconfigured for a choir in 1892, the music ministry has been a major part of the parish. Countless youth and adults have contributed over the last 134 years to this great tradition that remains one of the most cherished aspects of Christ Church’s operations. This ministry is probably the main program that the church is known for in the greater Fitchburg community. Organ concerts, sacred music programs, and both regular and special Sunday services have drawn people from miles around to hear the talented choirs, organists, and guest musicians that have shown their talents in our facility. Of recent years, the Fitchburg State University and Christ Church choirs have at times combined forces to create some beautiful music together as well.

Over the next several decades, society, events, and personalities changed, and membership slowly diminished. In recent years religious scandals in other denominations, as well as political issues within the Episcopal Church, have discouraged some people from coming to church. The Covid pandemic also reduced attendance in a major way. Even so, at present, we still have a core of enthusiastic churchgoers, with a choir that is smaller than in the past, but which provides great music along with its talented organist and choir director. We hope to continue our long, great tradition and to attract others to an institution that has had and can still have a positive influence on peoples’ lives.