LEICESTER, Mass. - On Sunday, Christ Episcopal Church in Leicester’s Rochdale neighborhood celebrated 200 years in the community.

Known as the “little church on the hill with red doors," Christ Episcopal has been a fixture in the community since it was consecrated on May 26, 1824 by Alexander Griswold, bishop of the Eastern Diocese. 

On Sunday, the congregation gathered for worship services at the historic church, which included prayers, hymns, and the receiving of Holy Communion. 

Over two centuries, Christ Episcopal has remained relatively unchanged, with some alterations made to the interior such as the creation of a center aisle so brides could walk down. 

Church historian Chip Leis said it was a special day that welcomed a lot of people, including the Bishop of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, the interim Rector to Christ Church, and a former rector to Christ Church who is also a retired Bishop from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"It's special because we've been here for 200 years," Leis said. "I was here for the 175th celebration and now we're here for the 200th, so 200 is really special. It only happens once in a lifetime, and so we've invited as many people as we could think of past and present to come celebrate."

The church has had 51 members of clergy over its 200-year history, including many deacons and lay people who have administered services throughout the years. 

Christ Episcopal Church is the oldest Episcopal Church in Worcester County.