| IX. The Immediate Past and the Near Future, 1974 - |
As the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence approached, our Nation and Town remembered and celebrated with a variety of parades, speeches, and fireworks. Here at Christ Church the position of Church Historian, ably filled by Catherine Lawrence, was created. The Town’s newly established historic district and The National Register of Historic Places both included Christ Church. Stratford’s commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution that honored William Samuel Johnson was held in our Burial Ground.
The nationwide need to remember the past showed itself in the religious sphere as well. The 200th anniversary of the consecration of Bishop Seabury was held at Christ Church in June 1984. It featured a Procession of the Cross to Town Hall. A few months later, the 200th Annual Convention of the Diocese was held here at Christ Church. It drew more than 550 clergy and lay delegates. Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, was the speaker. The Convention also honored the 10th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church.
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As our current church building approached its 140th birthday, the accumulated damage from hurricanes, winter storms, powder post beetles, and general wear and tear necessitated a major restoration. At a cost of about $500,000, our Church was restored to the beauty evident today.
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Thirty rectors have blessed us over the past 300 years. These shepherds of the flock faithfully led, inspired, coaxed, cajoled, and comforted us. As our current rector, Rev. Robert Stuhlmann constantly reminds us, “we are to be the hands and feet of God in the world.” To that end we support a variety of efforts including the Golden Rooster Shop, Spooner House, and Bethlehem House. We also share our space with a variety of community and religious groups.
The prayer we say each Sunday best describes who we are:
Almighty and everlasting God whose most blessed gift is your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us the grace to reach out in your name with love and service. May we offer a haven to those whose hearts are hurting, a refuge to those whose lives are in turmoil, a place of hospitality to those who don’t yet know you, a beacon of hope to those who still seek you, your Peace to those already filled with the joy of loving you. All this we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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