Almighty God, our Heavenly father, who did send your blessed Son into the world to become the Savioue of mankind; grant to us a deep sense of gratitude for your grace and mercy towards us, enable us, by your spirit, to reveal your love in prayer and work and stewardship, so that your salvation may become known to all peoples and your name glorified throughout the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Christ Church Anglican, Belleville, Ontario

In 1863, the Rev. Septimus Jones, then curate of St. Thomas Church, led group of people across the Moira River.  These enthusiastic folk included the Honourable Lewis Wallbridge (later Chief Justice of Manitoba).  Thomas Wills, R.B. Cooper and J.W. Dunnett.  They wished to form a new Anglican congregation and organize a church which they felt would be more democratic in its undertakings and more open to the needs of all its people.  This strong appeal towards social equality and contributions by the parishioners has been a rich part of Christ Church throughout our 146 year history.

This opening and dedicaiton of Christ Church Anglican took place on the first day of January 1865.  It had its beginnings in a modest, rough-cast structure at 30 West Moira Street.  Gothic in architecture, it had a bright, cheerful interior with excellent acoustics.  Apparently, it was the first church in Belleville to abandon the practice of renting pews and maintained free sittings to everyone.  In 1878, the Rev. W.C. Clark became the new rector and Christ Church flourished and grew during his first three years here.

On 25th April 1881, fire broke out and the original church burned to the ground.  However, the spiritual zeal of the congregation continued to grow.  On the 4th October 1881, the cornerstone for the new church was laid by the Grand Lodge of the Masonic Order "in the presence of a large assemblange of the Masonic Fraternity and vase a concourse of people".  This was the beginning of our Christ Church building, to be built on the corner of Coleman and Catherine Streets, where we worship today.  This church was formally dedicated to the worship of God on Easter Sunday, 9th April, 1882.

By 1887, the Rev. Samuel Dawe was rector.  The congregation continued to grow and the choir was now wearing surplices.  The organ was moved from the loft down to the main level.  By 1901, new furnaces were installed, completing the conversion from wood to coal.  In 1905, the Rev. R.C. Blagrave became rector.  During his stay, membership more than doubled, necessitating the building of the church hall in 1910, in order to accommodate the very large Sunday School enrollment.

Canon Balgrave was succeeded by other energetic and dedicated rectors, such as the Rev. W.S. Swayne, during whose term the rectory was acquired and the original mortgage was retired and burned (1922).  There was further growth of the Sunday School when the Rev. C.W. Clark was here.  The choir screen was erected in memory of the Rev. G.G. Wright and the Rev. J.C. Sparling, who was another poplular rector.

Canon J.B. Creegan (later Bishop Creegan) was rector between 1950-1962. During his time, the new church hall was built, the organ case and console refurbished and rebuilt, and installation of a new lighting system.  Both the rectory and church underwent major repairs, with new front steps replacing old wooden ones.  The men and boy's choir, under the direction of Mr. John Withers, was considered one of the foremost choirs in the Diocese on Ontario.  The Memorial Board was started and the furnace was once again converted, from coal to oil.

When Canon R.B. Deblois Wright arrived in 1964, there was still the burden of massive debt from building the church hall; but with strong leadership and faithful parishioners, the mortgage was retired and ceremonially burned in 1971.  St. George's Mission, on the corner of Station Street and Cannifton Road, was part of Christ Church for a long time.  It was sold with the proceeds used to support the need of Christ Church.  At one time, there were about 1500 parishioners and several hundred children in the Sunday School.

In June 1998, Canon Wright was succeeded by Archdeacon John R. Neal.  In 1989, as the parish looked forward to its 125th anniversary, the outdoor restoration of the church was complete, including the repair fo the leaky church roof.  At this time, Christ Church had 260 families.

Archdeacon Karen Dukes was our rector from 1999 to May 2004.  Age and moisture had worked its way into the plaster walls and ceiling requiring repair.  Sunday services were held in the large parish hall.  The 6th April, 2003, the nave was offically reopened and there was a special dedication of the renovated entrance now called the Jack Fletcher Lounge; the late Rev. Jack Fletcher was a long-time Christ Church member.

On Sunday 26th September 2004, the Rev. Michael Oulton was inducted as our new rector.  Under his leadership, we enjoyed renewed spiritual growth.  Beginning in 2005, Bob Owen guided ongoing building renovations with the church tower truncation, necessary due to significant masonry deterioration, repair of the church walls, and a refurbished Gallery Chapel.

The Very Reverend Michael Rice was appointed as the new Priest for Christ Church Anglican in Belleville, Ontario, and he began his ministry at our church on Monday, March 12th, 2012.

Vicki Gibson has been the administrative assistant sinc 1993, with a long history of family involvement with Christ Church.  Alex Pierson has been our dedicated organist and choir director for over 20 years.  We are blessed with many, many wonderful folk who volunteer and participate in various church organizations to maintain the beauty and fellowship of our church.

Summer Church Services (July & August) are as follows:
Wednesday at 10:15 A.M.
Sunday at 9:00 A.M.
There is no Sunday School in July & August

The church services from September - June inclusive are as follows:
Wednesday at 10:15 A.M.
Sunday at 8:00 A.M. and 10: 30 A.M.
Services will be Holy Eucharist unless noted otherwise
Everyone is welcome

Sunday School takes place during the 10:30 A.M. service on Sundays (September-June)
Children should be at the church by 10:15 A.M.
All children are welcome