History:

In 1858, a group of English families living in Bloomfield, New Jersey (which, at that time, included what is now Glen Ridge and Montclair) came together to worship in the Anglican tradition. With the help of the rector of Christ Church in the neighboring town of Belleville, those people met in private homes on Sunday afternoons (and later in a hotel hall), using the services of local priests until a missionary was appointed later that year. A few months later, "Christ Church in Bloomfield" was officially formed. Two years later, the cornerstone of a church building was laid in the center of town.

The first 50 years were difficult for the new parish. On the national level, the Civil War took its toll. On the local church level, a fire completely destroyed the church building and "guild hall" in 1892. The site of the present building was purchased only days before the financial panic of 1893.

As a result of changes in population, business orientation, and town boundaries -- as well as church growth -- four other parishes were spun off the Christ Church nucleus.

As it embarked on its next half-century, Christ Church had established itself as a vital parish, strong both financially and in number of communicants.