WATERTOWN – Christ Church Watertown is still alive.

There have been times, though; that Rev. Stanley Kemmerer wasn’t sure the church was going to make it.

About three years ago, after an extensive battle regarding homosexuality, the church was torn apart when most of the congregation left to form New Hope Anglican Church.

Though Christ Church, an Episcopal parish, can no longer afford its historic church building, the congregation continues to meet each week at Walker Hall, 50 Deforest St. in Watertown.

Kemmerer, who co-pastors the church with Rev. Mary Gates, said between 20 and 30 people attend service each week, adding that the church has a centering prayer group, a tutoring program and offers confirmation classes.

The church’s original building, located on The Green, is for sale and may be purchased by Taft School. Kemmerer said there are 49 bodies resting in the church cemetery, which will have to be exhumed when the sale is complete.

Christ Church also hopes to be able to rent space in the original church building after the sale is finalized.

“We left as owners, we hope to return as guests,” Kemmerer said.

Kemmerer and Gates came to Christ Church last year and Kemmerer said the church is a good fit for him.

“I love the people and I think it’s important for the process if we’re able to carry this type of ministry on,” he said.

The church is currently operating on donated money, which could run out as early as this summer.

Kemmerer, though, is at peace about the church’s financial position.

“There have been so many times I wondered if we’d be here tomorrow, and we have been,” he said.

He said the congregation has an energy that’s kept the church alive.

“There are very good people here, very dedicated people here,” Kemmerer said. “This is a different kind of church. We can do this.”

The church, which is open and affirming, meets every Sunday at 10 a.m.

For information visit the church website here.

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