General Episcopal Information

In this country, Episcopalians number about 2.5 million; outside the United States, Episcopalians are known as Anglicans and number about 61 million worldwide. The interplay of Scripture, tradition and reason - informed by our life experiences - constitutes the framework for our beliefs and actions as Christians.

Episcopalians use the Book of Common Prayer, whose roots go back to the first edition of 1549. The Church has determined, through the creation of this Book, that lay people would participate in all the liturgy, not simply have it performed for them by the clergy. Because parts of our service are not always in page number sequence, we provide the congregation with a service leaflet at every service.

At our services, we offer Holy Eucharist to all baptized Christians regardless of their denominational background or their current status in that denomination. We welcome children to the communion rail just as their families welcome them to the dinner table. This sacrament will be a part of their earliest memories.

 

Christ & Holy Trinity - Parish History

On June 28, 1775, George Washington (an Episcopalian!) stopped at Disbrow Tavern for refreshment on his way to Boston to assume command of the Continental Army. Many years later, the tavern site was to become the Memorial Church of the Holy Trinity, the forerunner of Christ & Holy Trinity Church.

The origins of Christ & Holy Trinity Church and the Town of Westport, a farming community, date back to the period between 1831 and 1835. Consecrated on November 2, 1835, Christ Church stood on the northeast corner of Ludlow and the Post Road. After the completion of the railroad in 1848, the town grew and attracted "more worldly" people who wanted progressive changes in the church furnishings and forms of worship. In 1863, these people built another Episcopal church, the Memorial Church of the Holy Trinity at 75 Church Lane.
In 1944, the two congregations merged. The larger Holy Trinity building was retained, the parish name became Christ & Holy Trinity Church, and the Christ Church congregation and assets (primarily from the sale of their properties) were assimilated. The Christ Church Cemetary, purchased in 1852, became the burial ground for the new parish.
A profile of the Town of Westport and the parish, is available to you in the Church Office.