[3] Built in 1848–53 to a design by Richard Upjohn, it is one of the first Gothic Revival churches in the American South.

[2][4] Christ Episcopal Church is located within Raleigh's Capitol Area Historic District, just east of the North Carolina State Capitol at the southeast corner of East Edenton and South Wilmington Streets.

A covered arcade extends north from the west end of the church, joining it to an otherwise-freestanding tower.

At the suggestion of the church's Bishop Levi Silliman Ives, Upjohn based his design on St. Mary's in Burlington, New Jersey, which he had recently completed.

The church's parish house with chapel, added in 1913–1914, was designed by Upjohn's grandson Hobart.