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South Pittsburg, TN
Christ
Church
Episcopal
302 Third Street
South
Pittsburg
,
TN
423-837-7715
In 1876, a group of English industrialists recognized the opportunity to take advantage of the rich mineral deposits in the
Sequatchie
Valley
. The group, which was known as the Southern States Coal, Iron and Land Company, purchased large tracts of land, and set-out to develop a town,
South Pittsburg
. From
England
they brought industrial expertise and a plan for creating a productive and profitable town on the banks of the
Tennessee River
. They brought with them, too, a desire to worship in their native Anglican tradition.
The first Episcopal services were held in December 1876 under the direction of the Rev. H.H. Sneed, who was rector of
St. Paul
’s,
Chattanooga
. Under the guidance of Rev. Sneed, a mission of
St. Paul
’s was formed in
South Pittsburgh
with the Rev. I. McBride Sterritt placed as Deacon in charge. By 1880 the congregation recognized a need for its own church building, as the school house it used for services was too small. Lots at the corner of Holly and Fourth Streets were donated by the company, and a parish was formally organized. Two years later the lots were exchanged for the present location, and a building committee was formed.
In 1883 the first services were held in the present church; however, the building was not completed until the following year.
Christ
Church
is known for its architectural beauty, both in its classic white frame exterior, and its rich wood-panel interior. The altar piece is especially noteworthy, as is a memorial stained glass window designed by the studios of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Christ Church Episcopal is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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