The parishoners of Christ Church are said to have built the stone walls of their church and tower with their own hands over the course of many years. The church we see today has been enlarged; although the tower is original. However, that unity of purpose was severed by disputes over independence. Loyalists withdrew despite efforts of the Reverend Beach “to promote moderation, peace and good order.” Mr. Beach’s neutrality allowed worship services to be held through the winter of 1776-77 when the British occupied New New Brunswick. Today’s congregation reads the Declaration of Independence annually on July 4 to commemorate its first reading here; although that reading most likely took place around the corner in font of LaGrange’s Tavern on Neilson Street. A Continental Army cavalry officer, Anthony White, is buried in the Christ Church graveyard.
