Christ Episcopal Church and city of Ottawa seek volunteer to move old rectory

Christ Episcopal Church and the city of Ottawa are gauging interest from the community in attempting to move the old Christ Episcopal Church rectory at 113 E. Lafayette St. off the lot.

The brick home was built in 1905 with a slate roof and stone coping, and parishioners added a cloister connecting the rectory to the church in 1915 that has since been detached and updated with new stucco in 2019.

It served as a home for pastors and their families but the last full-time pastor moved in February 2016, and the home has since had its integrity compromised because of financial constraints. The church suffered damage from a fire in 2016 and the rectory was used as a temporary place for worship. The steps and shaky railings made it difficult for elderly parishioners and those with limited mobility.

If there is no interest in having the home itself moved off the lot, the home will need to be torn down.

The home itself needs a new roof and a new furnace and air conditioner. The windows are older and in need of repair or replacement, and the overhang above the porch has deteriorated. The paint on the building also is peeling.

Anyone interested in moving the home should contact Tami Koppen with the city of Ottawa at 815-433-0161 ext. 240 or by email at tkoppen@cityofottawa.org.