Christ Church

We visited St. Simons Island while exploring Georgia’s beautiful coast. Among the island’s many historic sites, Christ Church stands as one of its oldest and most enduring landmarks.

The congregation was established in 1736, making it one of the oldest Episcopal parishes in Georgia. The first church stood here during the colony’s earliest years, serving settlers who had come with General James Oglethorpe as Georgia was taking shape. That original church was destroyed during the American Revolution when British forces occupied St. Simons Island, but the congregation eventually returned and rebuilt.

The present church was completed in 1889. Designed in a simple Gothic Revival style, its white wooden exterior, graceful bell tower, and peaceful setting reflect the character of the island rather than grand architectural display. Inside, beautiful stained-glass windows illuminate the sanctuary, while outside, centuries-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss frame one of the most recognizable scenes on the Georgia coast.

The churchyard is equally significant. It serves as the final resting place for many of St. Simons Island’s early residents, preserving generations of the families who helped shape the island’s history. Together, the church and cemetery provide a continuous record of nearly three centuries of community life.

Today, Christ Church remains an active parish while also serving as one of the most visited historic landmarks on St. Simons Island. It is a place where Georgia’s colonial beginnings, the challenges of the Revolutionary era, and the enduring traditions of the Episcopal Church come together in a single setting. For visitors exploring Georgia’s coast, Christ Church offers not only a beautiful place to visit but also a tangible connection to the state’s earliest history.