History of Christ Church 

 Christ Church was founded in 1849. The congregation of the Reformed faith held its worship services in the city market building on Broad Street (now the site of a municipal parking lot).    Lutherans also held services in the same building. The two congregations agreed to unite and erect a house of worship as a Union Church.

 In 1850 the two groups purchased a lot on High Street, now the site of Salem Lutheran Church, and built a one-story edifice.  When the building was dedicated in April 1851, it was the second church building in Bethlehem.  In the late 1860s the congregation began to talk about dissolving the Union Church.  Each congregation put in a bid for the existing church property.  The Lutheran group was the higher bidder with a bid of $9,700. 

The Reformed congregation purchased property at the corner of Center and Walnut Streets. Construction of the church began April 10, 1869. The cornerstone was laid June 6, and the dedication ceremony was held January 23, 1870. It was not until 1874, however, that the interior was completed and a bell hung in the tower. A new pipe organ was placed in the church in 1886. Re-dedication took place in 1889. 

The church reached the half-century mark in 1899 with more than 500 members. The Sunday School was growing. A building was  constructed at the rear of the church in the 1890s, but by 1909 there was a need for more space. A new Junior Sunday School building was added, and rolling partitions were placed in the Adult Assembly Room. 

As the church grew during the post World War I period, the number of organizations and activities increased. It became apparent that additional facilities were needed.  The decision was made to excavate the cellar area to provide a new kitchen and social hall.  By 1937 the Sunday School again had outgrown its quarters and an addition was dedicated in the Fall of 1938. 

During World War II, membership passed 1600.  The Sanctuary, on the second floor, presented difficulties for older members.  Property to the south of the church was acquired. Plans were approved by the congregation to build an addition and a new Sanctuary. In June of 1958 ground was broken. Two years later the new building was dedicated. This was Christ Church’s third church. Its tall white spire atop the steeple made Christ Church one of Bethlehem’s conspicuous landmarks. 

In 1977 an architectural firm was asked to prepare a feasibility study to include the new building and plans for the old building.  At a special meeting in March 1978, the congregation approved a plan for extensive changes. 

Through the years Christ Church has remembered its long and proud heritage while planning for future needs.