Over 150 Years of Service!
When the stone church was finished in 1871, Bishop Whipple was called to bless and consecrate the church. He suggested that he would come only if the church was paid for. There was a substantial amount on the mortgage, but the vestry and parishioners went to stores, businesses and other churches in town to ask for donations. They got the money. So Christ Church literally belongs to the town of Red Wing.
The first service of the Episcopal Church of Red Wing was held on November 18, 1855 in a small law office near the levee. Our Parish was officially organized in 1858 and the first rector, Rev. Edward Welles, was offered a salary of $700 a year.
A wooden building was erected that served the early parish well, but by 1868 it was felt that the growth of the parish made a larger church building necessary.
The new church was designed and money was raised.
In June, 1869, the cornerstone for the new church was laid by Bishop Henry Whipple. The new church was completed late in 1871, at a cost of $26,526.
Bishop Whipple conducted the consecration service and said he was thankful that this Parish adhered to having free seats, making no distinction of all who came to worship together in the house of God.
