Although the total number of Episcopalians living in Stanly County has never approached that of some other denominations, Christ Church has a remarkable history, much of which can be traced to the determination of one woman to see that the Episcopal Church had a presence and influence for her family and friends. Although the diocese of North Carolina was formed in 1817, the first services were held in Stanly County in 1886, when Miss Frances Hearne, who arrived in Albemarle during the Civil War, arranged for a visit from an Episcopal clergyman from Charlotte to baptize her daughter. Episcopalians met in homes or in the Legion Hut, with services led by lay persons or by visiting clergy from Salisbury or Charlotte. In 1924 the unorganized mission held three evening services per month, presided over by a priest from Lexington, and one morning service with Holy Eucharist performed by a priest from Charlotte. In 1935, the Rev. John F. Haymaker, rector of Calvary Church in Wadesboro, became priest-in-charge of the Albemarle mission, which soon took the name Christ Church. The cornerstone of the present church building was laid in 1940. In 1963, under Rev. James Walker, Christ Church achieved parish status.