A Faithful Presence in Glenrock Since 1886 If you would like to read the full narrative historical text click below on read more. Christ Church has been part of the Glenrock community since about 1886 or 1887, when the original church was built through the efforts of Major Walcott of the VR Ranch and the generosity of local residents. Early recollections tell of Major Walcott helping gather support for the building, arranging for lumber to be hauled, and overseeing much of the work. From the beginning, Christ Church was more than a church building. It was a place where the community gathered to worship, learn, and grow together. In those early years, the church also served as a school. Children of many ages learned together in the church building, and Sunday School was held there from the beginning. Because Christ Church was the only church building in Glenrock for many years, the Sunday School became an ecumenical gathering place, welcoming children and families from many denominations. Major Walcott is remembered as one of the first Sunday School superintendents, and Miss Walcott played the organ and led the singing. Early members also remembered a donated Sunday School library, sewing classes for girls, construction projects for boys, and faithful teachers who helped shape the lives of Glenrock’s children. The first minister remembered in local records was the Rev. Lewis Craig, who traveled regularly to Glenrock and served a wide region that reached from Lusk to Casper. He held services, taught Confirmation classes, and helped nurture the Episcopal faith in a growing frontier community. Bishop Talbot was also a familiar visitor and came to Glenrock for Confirmations. After oil was discovered near Parkerton and Glenrock began to grow, the Rev. R.F. Philbrook became the first resident priest in 1918. He served for about one year and later became dean of a cathedral in Iowa. Through the decades, Christ Church was often served by clergy from nearby towns, especially Douglas and Casper. Records and recollections name clergy including the Rev. Brinker, the Rev. Harkness, the Rev. Taylor, the Rev. Lillifors, the Rev. Ward, the Rev. Myers, the Rev. Alan Grayson, the Rev. George B. Oakes, and the Rev. Canterbury. In 1942, the Rev. George B. Oakes resigned as rector of Christ Church in Cañon City, Colorado, to become rector of Christ Church in Douglas and priest-in-charge at Christ Church in Glenrock and St. George’s in Lusk. His ministry reflects a pattern that has shaped Christ Church for much of its life: clergy and congregations sharing ministry across long Wyoming distances. Christ Church also has a long history of lay leadership. In 1937, when evening services were not serving the congregation well, Bishop Ziegler asked that worship be held in the morning one Sunday each month. On the other Sundays, services were led by lay leadership. The change to morning worship and weekly services helped strengthen the congregation and increase attendance. That pattern of shared worship leadership continues to echo in the life of Christ Church today. The buildings of Christ Church also tell a story of resilience and faithful labor. After the original church burned in 1925, worship continued in the Guild Hall, which also served the wider Glenrock community through school events, town functions, community gatherings, and other church services. The present log church was begun in 1937, with logs cut and brought down from nearby mountains. Built by Doc Robbins and Billy Kimball, and supported by the fundraising and hands-on work of the women of Christ Church, the new nave held its first service on February 13, 1938. Through the years, generations of parishioners have cared for Christ Church’s buildings and grounds, making changes and improvements to support worship, fellowship, accessibility, formation, and community service. Additions and updates have included the Guild Hall, The Hall, kitchen and classroom space, stained glass windows, accessibility improvements, gathering areas, music support, and outdoor projects. These changes reflect the dedication of many faithful people who have given their time, labor, prayers, and resources to sustain the life of the church. The ministry of Christ Church has always extended beyond Sunday worship. Over the years, the congregation has supported neighbors in need, local agencies, community meals, school ministries, youth activities, and outreach throughout Glenrock. Today, Christ Church continues that legacy through visiting clergy, lay leadership, pastoral care, worship, formation, and service to the wider community. Christ Church has been blessed by the faithful service of many visiting and supply priests, some traveling from across Wyoming to celebrate Holy Eucharist with us. Their ministry, together with the ministry of our lay leaders and congregation, reminds us that the Church is not only a building or a moment in history. Christ Church is a living community of faith, called to love God, love our neighbors, and carry Christ’s love into the world. This history was compiled from parish records, newspaper notices, and recollections of faithful members of Christ Church. Some early dates and details vary slightly among the sources.