Who We Are
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church was built in 1976 on the present site. It evolved from a mission organized by area Episcopalians in 1965 with the blessing of Bishop Duncan. The first rector was Father Harold L. Batchelor who was assigned in January 1966.
In its initial years, the mission called several locations home. The final location was purchased from an orchid-grower in October 1968. The current Parish Hall was built by its members and served as its Sanctuary for eight years. They named themselves the congregation of St. Christopher’s after the patron saint of travelers because of their journey in finding a permanent location.
When Father Batchelor retired, Father Richard Tickner with his wife, Pat and children, Susan and Stephen, was assigned to serve as Priest in Charge in 1971. He was serving a parish in Key West. Under his leadership parishioners built the current Sanctuary. They did much of the work themselves. The Sanctuary is built to seat 250 people.
The first service in the new Church was held in the Sanctuary on Palm Sunday, April 11, 1976.
In August 1978, St. Christopher’s welcomed Father Christopher Douglas Kelly, his wife Pam and two year old daughter, Heather. Under his tenure the Christian Education building was built and completed in September 1982. It houses the Rector’s office, Church office, six classrooms, and restrooms. There is also a fenced-in playground next to it.
After Father Kelly’s retirement in 2002, we had several interim Priests including Father David Sutcliffe, Father Terrence Taylor and the Rev. Mother Donna Hall.
The Rev. Willie Dávila, was called to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in April 2010 from Corpus Christi, Texas with his wife Terry. Under Father Dávila’s leadership the Chancel area was enlarged to accommodate annual musical events, youth programs and the choir. Father Dávila was committed to the growth of the Church and social justice issues. He retired August 2017.
We are currently in the search phase for new Clergy. Supply Priests such as Rev. Bernard Griffith, Rev. Ralph Warren and Rev. Robert Shires have and are assisting with weekly Sunday services.
Services are held on Sundays at 8:00am & 10:00am. Sunday school is held during the 10:00am service. Holiday and special services are scheduled throughout the year.
St. Christopher’s has a wonderful church family devoted to its spiritual growth. Its mission is to be a growing, active church of diversified and reconciling people, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, developing relationships on prayer, mutual commitment, forgiveness and tangible care. It is also to develop comprehensive youth and mission ministries by focusing on the use of time, talents and treasures.
The people who gather on the corner of Haverhill and Belvedere Roads in West Palm Beach, Florida as Saint Christopher’s Episcopal Church are a diverse group of individuals varying in age, background and talents. We have a successful Steel Pan Orchestra which is made up of youth and seniors who learned to play after being inspired by a visiting Church's performance. Our thriving Senior Ministry (The Pioneer's Club) provides a sense of belonging, fellowship and support to members of our congregation and surrounding community. We have an active Youth Ministry which provides opportunities for youth to give back to the community as well as providing a great environment to learn, grow and have fun.
These ministries along with the traditional Episcopal ministries, such as Episcopal Church Women(ECW), Men's Fellowship, Altar/Flower Guild, Music and Outreach, help to make St. Christopher's the great Church Family that it is today.
We look forward to the opportunities for continued growth and fellowship.