Christ Church South Amboy began in a small building erected in 1833 by the Camden and Amboy Railroad. Occasional services were held but it was not until 1852 when the Bishop of New Jersey was petitioned to consider the formation of an Episcopal Church in South Amboy.
The stone Church that stands on Main Street today was erected with funds donated by Miss Esther B. Stevens. Inaugural service was held in April 1858. The building was consecrated June 12, 1860 by Bishop William H. Odenheimer and the first service was officiated by Rev. Charles L. Little. Rev. Gideon J. Burton, who served from 1858 to 1869, was the first priest of Christ Church.
In 1850, Christ Church parish suffered a devastating blow when ships loaded with ammunition exploded at the docks. The Church building along with two additional buildings on the grounds, Christ Church Home built in 1856 and the parish hall, built in 1862, were all severely damaged. The financial burden was enormous for the congregation, but with the guidance and stewardship of Rev. Christopher Nichols, and the faith and tenacity of the parishioners, Christ Church was able to overcome. In 1962, the current Memorial Hall was built.
Today, Memorial Hall, is the home of Christ Church Thrift Store, Sweet Art Cakes, and Ark Ministries, a non-episcopal Church. The hall also hosts many community fundraising and educational functions including the annual tea party, cookie drop for Veterans, Life Line Screening, local school comedy night, and educational forums.
Christ Church South Amboy is an Episcopal Church and part of the Diocese of New Jersey which is part of the Anglican Communion. The Right Reverend William (Chip) Stokes, our diocesan bishop, was elected in May 2013 and consecrated in November 2013. Each member of the Anglican Communion is autonomous and self-governing. The Archbishop of Canterbury is a spiritual head of the Anglican Church.