The History of Christ Church
Established September 18, 1877
Christ Episcopal Church is one of the oldest churches in Cape Girardeau and will celebrate its 150th anniversary (sesquicentennial) in 2027.
Humble Beginnings, Holy Vision
In 1874, a group of Episcopal women--Mrs. R.L. Wilson, Mrs. James B. Dennis, Mrs. Samuel Harris, Mrs. Cheney, and Mrs. Otto Buehrmann—sought a place to worship in Cape Girardeau. Their vision sparked what would become Christ Episcopal Church.
With the generous gift of a plot of land from Mr. Robert Wilson near the site of Civil War-era Fort A (what is now the east end of Bellevue Street, once known as Windmill Hill), the dream nearly began there. But as the town’s center shifted southward, the women made a practical decision: sell the Windmill Hill lot and find a better location.
They purchased a new site--a wheat field at the corner of Themis and Fountain Streets, where the church still stands today. The land was obtained from Jack Painter for $200, and may have once belonged to Louis Lorimer, one of the city’s founding fathers. Until construction was complete, worship was held at the Common Pleas Courthouse.
A Church Built on Grit, Grace—and a Bit of Whiskey
Funding came from the congregation, but also from creative and tireless fundraising efforts, especially by the women who began it all. Events included:
“A lot of whiskey money built that church!”
Built by Faith, Sustained by Community
Christ Episcopal Church was born from the determination of a faithful few and built by the hands—and generosity—of the Cape Girardeau community. Nearly 150 years later, that same spirit of inclusion, resilience, and joyful faith continues to shape who we are.
We are proud to stand at the corner of Themis and Fountain, still guided by the Spirit and the hope of those who came before us.
Christ Episcopal Church is one of the oldest churches in Cape Girardeau and will celebrate its 150th anniversary (sesquicentennial) in 2027.
Humble Beginnings, Holy Vision
In 1874, a group of Episcopal women--Mrs. R.L. Wilson, Mrs. James B. Dennis, Mrs. Samuel Harris, Mrs. Cheney, and Mrs. Otto Buehrmann—sought a place to worship in Cape Girardeau. Their vision sparked what would become Christ Episcopal Church.
With the generous gift of a plot of land from Mr. Robert Wilson near the site of Civil War-era Fort A (what is now the east end of Bellevue Street, once known as Windmill Hill), the dream nearly began there. But as the town’s center shifted southward, the women made a practical decision: sell the Windmill Hill lot and find a better location.
They purchased a new site--a wheat field at the corner of Themis and Fountain Streets, where the church still stands today. The land was obtained from Jack Painter for $200, and may have once belonged to Louis Lorimer, one of the city’s founding fathers. Until construction was complete, worship was held at the Common Pleas Courthouse.
A Church Built on Grit, Grace—and a Bit of Whiskey
Funding came from the congregation, but also from creative and tireless fundraising efforts, especially by the women who began it all. Events included:
- Pink Teas at booth exhibits
- A fair at the Petit New Orleans
- And door-to-door fundraising—including Saturday visits to saloons
“A lot of whiskey money built that church!”
Built by Faith, Sustained by Community
Christ Episcopal Church was born from the determination of a faithful few and built by the hands—and generosity—of the Cape Girardeau community. Nearly 150 years later, that same spirit of inclusion, resilience, and joyful faith continues to shape who we are.
We are proud to stand at the corner of Themis and Fountain, still guided by the Spirit and the hope of those who came before us.
Christ Episcopal Church: A Brief Timeline
Timeline research by Southeast Missouri State University student Alyssa Longman, 2019 Historic Preservation Intern at Christ Episcopal Church.
