(This is a draft history based on the short history in the 2003 parish directory. It will be expanded upon with more details and photographs.)
There were very few Episcopalians along the banks of the Toms River before Revolutionary times. They were strengthened in their faith by visits of an English missionary who served small parishes in Monmouth County. From this beginning the Toms River mission, first mentioned in the Diocesan Journal of 1860, struggled along.
Railroads and better roads contributed to the growth of Ocean County (separated from Monmouth County in 1850), so that a church building was erected in 1873, for $ 400. The Rev. William N. Dunnell, an energetic priest, fostered many small missions throughout the area.
About this time, Mr. John Peter Haines bought a farm in Toms River and offered a corner lot for a new church where services were held for the first time on July 8, 1883; the building was consecrated in 1885. This lovely church is now leased to Ocean Christian Community. Mr. Haines was also instrumental in giving land and donations for a rectory, which now serves as the parish house for Ocean Christian Community. He and his wife and sister, Miss Emily Haines, maintained their interest in Christ Church throughout their lives, and bequeathed to the church their home and surrounding land. [narrative continues after photographs]
With the advent of the Garden State Parkway, Toms River grew, as did Christ Church. It was apparent that the original church building could no longer accommodate the congregation. Under the leadership of the Rev. Luman J. Morgan, it was voted to build a larger church, which was dedicated in 1962. All the furnishings, from altar to prayer books and hymnals, were given as memorials or thank- offerings.
When the Rev. Canon Vincent King Pettit was called as rector, the rectory, once the Haines home, was found to no longer be useable. It was razed and a new rectory, meeting present and future needs, was built. During Rev. Pettit’s tenure( 1981-1984), a memorial garden was constructed. He left to be consecrated as Suffragan Bishop.
During the rectorship of the Rev. Walter Hartt, a new parish house, offices, a chapel, and Christian education classrooms were added to the 1962 building. The addition was dedicated in 1990.
The Rev. Joan Anders, the third Pettit to be called as rector of Christ Church, arrived as the 20th rector of the parish on January 15, 2003.
The Rev. Lisa Ann Hoffman was called as rector of Christ Church in March, 2021.