Commissioned by Robert "King" Carter and completed in 1735, Christ Church is a National Historic Landmark and one of America's great buildings. It is the only church from colonial Virginia to retain its original high back pews and one of only two with its original triple-deck pulpit. A combination of enslaved, indentured and free artisans constructed Christ Church. The building retains most of its original elements, including its molded-brick doorways, which are the finest of their type in the country. Other original features include the sash windows, classical entablature, walnut altarpiece and stone pavers. The church has no heating or cooling and stands much as it did in 1735.
The site includes an interactive museum, attractive gift shop, research room, and a conference/education center. Special educational programs and community events take place throughout the year. Since 1958, the Foundation for Historic Christ Church has led preservation, research and interpretation of the site.