Binghamton's Oldest Church is Covered Up for Urgent Project

People passing by what's considered to be the oldest church in Binghamton may have been surprised to see that the historic parish house was wrapped in black protective material.

The covering was put in place before a team began work on a major project at Christ Episcopal Church at Henry and Water streets.

The steeple of Christ Church rises above the workers in downtown Binghamton on May 14, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Rev. Scott Parnell, the church rector, said it recently became clear that the roof of the structure needed to be replaced.

Workers started the job Thursday morning by putting the protective covering over most of the exterior of the downtown building.

A large crew worked to atop the Christ Church parish house in downtown Binghamton on May 14, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

They then began removing the old roof before installing the replacement material. Parnell said he expected to project would be completed quickly.

The main building still used by Christ Church opened for worship in 1855. The parish's first services were held in the Broome County Courthouse in 1810.

A view of the south side of Christ Church on May 14, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @bobjoseph.bsky.social on Bluesky or @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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