“We are celebrating our 185 years of God’s grace in this place,” said Rev. Kyle Murphy of the church located at 426 Mulberry Street.

Founded in 1841, 14 local families united to form the genesis of Christ Episcopal. One year later, the families erected the First Christ Church Sanctuary on East Third Street between Academy and Basin streets.

The church experienced tremendous growth. Church history materials provided by Murphy explain that between 1861 to 1864, ” A female boarding and day school was begun; Sunday schools were expanded with 25 teachers and 150 students, a second school at Emira and W. Edwin Streets was opened and a boys parish school began with 29 students.”

Because of the church’s growth, two lots were purchased in 1886 for $4,000 at the corner of East Fourth and Mulberry Streets, where the church sits today. On Christmas day in 1869, the new church opened its doors.

The Gothic Revival style church cost $40,000 to construct. Despite how paltry that sounds by today’s standards, the budget was enough to produce a grand church. Its exterior is made of locally-quarried blue-gray sandstone, while the interior features vaulted ceilings, encaustic tile flooring and a plethora of Tiffany stained glass windows.

“I love something specific about every single window so I will tell you about my favorite spiritual window. There is a window that I call the “character of God” window. It depicts scenes from the 15th chapter of Luke – The Parables of : The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. This window – and that chapter of Luke – offers us images of God who seeks the lost, rejoices in their return and calls the whole community to rejoice and loves and forgives with a generosity that far exceeds our understanding and that radical love and forgiveness is meant to change us into a people who forgive and love in the same manner,” said Murphy.

The lavish church was possible because of its many well regarded congregants, some even millionaires. On any given Sunday, you could see the city’s elite sitting side by side. Some of Christ Episcopal’s most notable church members included Judge Francis C. Campbell (1787 – 1867), Judge Ellis Lewis (1798 – 1871), who went on to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and Peter Herdic (1824 – 1888) and James V. Brown (1826-1904). One interesting note, when Brown willed funding for the construction of his namesake library in Williamsport, he stipulated the church be an ex-officio member of its board of trustees.

“I am now on that board,” said Murphy.

As impressive as the congregants were, so was one reverend. According to the church’s historical documents, Rev. John Henry Hopkins was “perhaps the most well-known American churchman of his time; scholar, writer, preacher, musician, poet and artist.”

Hopkins’ legacy continues today each Christmas. In 1857, he composed the hymn We Three Kings of Orient, which is sung around the world to this day.

“We sing it at our epiphany every year and Rev. Hopkins definitely sang it here,” said Murphy.

While leading the flock at Christ Episcopal, Hopkins baptized 1,100 people.

“This ewer was used by John Henry and every priest who ever performed baptisms here,” said Murphy, as he reached for a ceramic pitcher near the baptismal font.

Almost two centuries later, the church’s mission remains the same.

“When the world gets dark and scary, we all search for peace and we remind the world that Christ is in charge,” said Murphy.

Murphy stresses everyone is welcome at Christ Episcopal, no matter their faith, financial standing or if they are within a marginalized group like the LGBTQ community.

“Embracing diversity is a Christian virtue in my opinion. I believe the history of the Episcopal church shows that we have always striven to embrace all people. At Christ church we use the tag line, ‘All are truly welcome,’ and we mean it. You may also notice our sign out front that says, ‘God loves you, no exceptions’ — we mean that, too!” said Murphy.

One powerful outreach program is the Act II loan. Murphy launched the financial assistance program for those who are struggling financially. He said the program was named because of Acts 2:44 in the Bible. The scripture calls for the faithful to help those in need.

“Our general focus is to break cycles. In 2025, we were able to assist 7 unhoused people into apartments and keep 3 families and 1 individual in their current home to avoid eviction and homelessness. We are not able to grant every application but we strive to do the best we can. We also offer a free meal the first Saturday of every month and have done so for 14 years and we also have a shower facility for the unhoused,” said Murphy.

Another outreach program, Pub Theology, brings locals together at The Crooked Goose in Williamsport. A pamphlet stated, “Pub theology is an open conversation about stuff that matters in life. Pub theology is not a lecture, a bible study at the bar [or] the official teaching of a specific church.”

Murphy said, “It’s laid back. We eat. We chat.”

Throughout the year, the church will celebrate its 185th anniversary with initiatives that include: 185 Acts of Kindness, which is a service challenge for families; 185 Hours of Prayer, which is for church members and $185 for 185 Years, which is an optional giving challenge.

On Sunday, May 24 at 10 a.m., the church is welcoming those who have been confirmed in the church.

“We are inviting all who have ever been confirmed to come back to Christ Church,” said Murphy.

The parishioners of Christ Episcopal will have additional events throughout the year. Information is available at christchurchwilliamsport.org/

Murphy stressed that all are welcome to attend services or take advantage of outreach programs.

Murphy said, “Church isn’t just about Sunday morning. It is a community.”