Christ Episcopal Church

Christ Episcopal Church Portsmouth 

The Christ Episcopal Church's construction began in 1880. The church, characterized by a Gothic-revival style of architecture, was officially dedicated in 1883 and was an important and historic place for Portsmouth’s community. The church burnt entirely in 1963, forcing it to move to a new location and be rebuilt. Its current location was built on land donated by John Elwyn-Stone. The church’s new location is also home to Little Blessings Daycare, which is open to families in over a dozen towns in New Hampshire and Maine.  

About Episcopalianism  

Episcopalians belong to the Protestant Episcopal Church, part of the international Anglican Communion. Episcopalianism could be seen in North America as ealry as the 1600s and was a popular religion amongst founders in America. The Bible is important to the teachings of the Episcopal Church. According to the Episcopal Church of New York City, in explaining what the Church believes and teaches, they shared, 

“We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; women and men serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation.” ^[1]

In the U.S. there are about 2.5 million Episcopalians. The Christ Episcopal Church of Portsmouth highlights participating in worship, music, healing, study and fellowship particularly. 

Cultural History of the Christ Episcopal Church 

The new land donated by John Elwyn-Stone included a cemetery where African people enslaved by the Langdon* family were buried. As this is the case, this site can be seen on some tours of the Black Heritage Trail in Portsmouth. Additional culturally and historically relevant ties to Christ Church include that in 1905, at its original location, the peace treaty that ended the Russo-Japanese war was signed at Christ Episcopal Church and a ceremony was held there. Because of this it had been known as the Peace Church for many years, and was known as the Antiwar and Pro-Peace Church throughout the Vietnam War era. The church in Portsmouth has also always been connected to the city’s working-class people. As it has a culturally and historically rich history, Christ Episcopal Church in Portsmouth has strong ties to social justice and prides itself in being a progressive congregation.  

*John Langdon was governor of New Hampshire and served as a delegate at the Constitutional Convention, thus being a signer of the U.S. Constitution.  

Christ Episcopal Church’s connection to Portsmouth’s LGBTQ+  

Reverend Robert Stiefel is a retired rector at Christ Episcopal Church who served for 11 years. In an oral history included in the Seacoast NH LGBTQ+ History Project, he shared his experience with coming out while being a leader in the church. Reverend Robert Stiefel decided to come out publicly in 1997. Members of the community at the time may not have expected this, as he was, and continued to be, married to Deacon Jennifer Stiefel. The pair wrote a statement, in a dialogue-style, to explain their lives, their situation, and Robert’s coming out. They first shared this with the vestry and they listened and deliberated, ultimately deciding that Robert could remain in his position after coming out. On Memorial Day in 1997, Robert officially came out to the Church community. He recalled:

"We didn't lose the parishioners directly that I know of. You know, some weren’t too comfortable, wandered off, others were comfortable and wandered in. Didn't seem to be that big a deal in some ways, but it was for a few weeks.” ^[2]

Robert’s coming out did spark many conversations in local newspapers discussing the relationship between religion and sexuality. He and Jennifer received many letters of support from community members and friends. Upon reflection, Rev. Stiefel shared:

“My life seemed to be so full and rich at the time. Not always easy by any means. You know, there were some hurtful times, but I really don't want to remember those so to speak.” ^[3]

Robert Stiefel’s experience in 1997 was an important way for members of the church to understand and practice the inclusivity that was preached about and continues to be an important element in the church today. 

For nearly two decades, Christ Episcopal Church also hosted "Women Singing Out!," an all-female chorus consisting of women who identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Active from 1999 to 2018, the chorus was dedicated to the promotion of tolerance, diversity, peace, and hope, which was reflected in their music. The group often collaborated with other choirs and musicians in the Seacoast area, including The Funky Divas of Gospel and The Dell Belles, and also with nonprofits such as HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change). Though the chorus had a predominantly lesbian membership, “Women Singing Out!” welcomed all women regardless of race, religion, age, educational background, or sexual orientation who loved music and sought to create positive change through music and visibility. Inclusive spaces like “Women Singing Out!” were (and still are) beneficial for queer people who wanted to get involved in LGBTQ+ activism and activities but didn’t want to “out” themselves or adhere to a specific label or identity. Members of “Women Singing Out!” came from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts for weekly rehearsals, various performances, and two annual concerts in the spring and winter. For many women, the choir was a place to express themselves freely and build community. Many lesbians and queer women found a home within the walls of Christ Episcopal Church during rehearsals and concerts.

^[1] What We Believe. The Episcopal Church. (2021, March 4). https://www.episcopalchurch.org/what-we-believe/ 

^[2][3] Cashman, Holly (interviewer), “Oral history with Robert Stiefel, July 21, 2020,” Portsmouth Public Library's Online Archives, accessed July 22, 2024, https://www.portsmouthexhibits.org/items/show/4834.About Us. Christ Episcopal Church. (n.d.). https://christepiscopalchurch.us/about-us/ 

Black Heritage Trail NH. (n.d.). https://Blackheritagetrailnh.org/ 

DeConto, J. J. (2002, January 5). Stiefel retires from Christ Episcopal. Seacoast Online. https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2002/01/05/stiefel-retires-from-christ-episcopal/51298594007/ 

Robinson, J. D. (n.d.). Christ Church Burns in 1963. SeacoastNH.com. http://www.seacoastnh.com/christ-church-burns-in-1963/

Portsmouth Herald, Staff Writer. Women Singing Out! present See Me How I Rise, Seacoastonline. May 8th 2012. Accessed July 5th 2022. https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2012/05/10/women-singing-out-present-see/49643238007/.

Facebook. Women Singing Out!, Accessed July 5th 2022. https://www.facebook.com/Women-Singing-Out-83070201223/.

Chorus Directory: Women Singing Out!, Choral Arts New England. August 8th 2018. Accessed July 5th 2022. https://www.choralarts-newengland.org/Directory/351.

Portsmouth Herald, Staff Writer. Women Singing OUT! open ninth season with friends, Seacoastonline. January 8th 2008. Accessed July 5th 2022. https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/lifestyle/2008/01/09/women-singing-out-open-ninth/52684598007/.

Women Singing Out!, Yellow Place. Accessed July 5th 2022. https://yellow.place/en/women-singing-out-portsmouth-usa.