Tower of David, Jerusalem

Tour Israel and include Christ Church. A recent visit to Christ Church in the Old City of Jerusalem revealed a hidden gem located in plain sight directly across from the Tower of David Museum and next to the souk (marketplace). The church is situated among flowering gardens with an adjacent guest house, cafe, and small museum explaining the history of the church.

Established in the 1840s by an Anglican missionary called the London Society for Promoting Christianity amongst Jews, the church is decorated with Hebrew text and Jewish symbols. Considered the first modern building in the Old City, it intentionally resembles a synagogue. The front of the church – similar to the holy ark found in synagogues – has Jewish liturgy written across the imposing wooden nave. A  seven branched candelabra is placed as centerpiece. Scripture from the Old Testament, in the original Hebrew, is engraved on the wall. A prayer for the holy ark adorns the front as well.

Interior, Christ Church, Jerusalem

The organization based their missionary activity on doctrine found in the book of Romans. As evangelical Christians of their day believed, these society members thought that in order for Jesus to return, first the Jews must be restored to their own land in what was then Turkish occupied Palestine.