Built in 1824, Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral has been serving the greater Louisville community for two centuries. When constructed, Christ Church was intended to be both the city’s Episcopal house of worship as well as a place for secular public gatherings. The building’s original architect is unknown, and the style reflects the evolution of religious architecture over time, including the original Federal Meetinghouse design of the nave, a Romanesque facade added in 1870, and an elaborate Italian marble altar with reredos added in 1893.

Christ Church’s community outreach and programming have always focused on their downtown Louisville neighborhood, with an emphasis on serving persons who are vulnerable and unhoused. Since 2018, Christ Church has rented space to UP, a day shelter with wraparound services for women and children experiencing homelessness. Christ Church has also operated a First Sunday Community Breakfast for over 17 years and recently completed a pilot first season of Room at the Inn, partnering to house 15 women and their minor children each night in January and February.

A National Fund grant of $480,240 with $480,240 in matching funds raised by the congregation will support essential structural and roof repairs as well as interior restoration.

Photo by B. Marker