Local church celebrates 175 years

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Bowling Green is gearing up for a gala 175 years in the making. On Saturday night, parishioners will celebrate by opening their doors so visitors can view photographs, bulletins and historic documents that tell the story of the religious institution through the years.

The building that houses the church, and which will house the celebration, isn’t the original building.  The Rev. Steve Pankey, the church’s rector, says the first building did not survive the Civil War. And the second building was replaced by the current building, which has been in use since 1913.

Parishioner Jamie Chaffin, who is on the committee to organize the anniversary celebration, has a spiritual connection in planning to mark the milestone. She says finding Christ Episcopal Church has made a positive difference in her life and the lives of her family members.

In addition to serving as a spiritual home for local Episcopalians, the church reaches out to the community in various ways, such as providing meals to those who may not be able to afford to buy food.