Historic Christ Church Dover to close May 9 for restoration

Christ Episcopal Church located at 501 S. State St. in downtown Dover will be temporarily closed for several months as it embarks on a restoration and renovation project.

The main and original portion of the church was constructed in 1734 and has been in continuous use ever since.

The congregation, founded in 1703, recently completed a two-year self-study on work and necessary repairs for the historic structure, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Work to be done includes insulating, painting, HVAC replacement and additions, upgrading and modernizing the lighting, restoring the multi-width wood plank floors and more.

The church sanctuary will be closed to the public from Sunday, May 9, through late August. The congregation will worship on Sunday mornings in the parish hall adjacent to the church. Some services will take place outside on the church lawn. Other services such as funerals will be deferred or diverted to other locations. Special events are being planned once the work is completed.

Kent Construction Company of Smyrna has been awarded the contract to manage the project. Several local companies have been engaged to assist as well.

To follow project updates, go to christchurchdover.org and Facebook.