Church of the Good Shepherd, Raleigh

The Church of the Good Shepherd is a historic Episcopal church in downtown Raleigh. Established in 1874, it is the second oldest Episcopal parish in Raleigh, formed by a group of congregants from Christ Episcopal Church. As part of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the church served as the Pro-cathedral for the diocese during the mid-1890s.

The congregation’s original building, constructed in 1875, was replaced by a larger stone church to accommodate the growing parish. The cornerstone of the new structure was laid on All Saints’ Day, November 1, 1899, in a ceremony attended by church members, government officials, and academic leaders. Designed by New York architect Robert W. Gibson, based on plans by Rev. Pittenger, and overseen by local architect Charles E. Hartge, the construction began in 1904. The church’s first service in its new space occurred on May 17, 1914, with an evening Confirmation service drawing over a thousand people.

Built with North Carolina and New Hampshire granite and a pine roof, the church was once one of the largest and most beautiful in the state. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, it later expanded with new facilities. In 2004, these were replaced by a four-story Parish Life Center, which now includes offices, classrooms, a chapel, and a hall for 300 people.

The Church of the Good Shepherd is renowned for its collection of over 70 stained glass windows and transoms, installed between 1914 and the mid-1970s. These windows showcase various art styles by different designers, including the historic J&R Lamb Studios. The upper windows depict figures from both the Old and New Testaments, while the lower ones illustrate significant moments from the life of Christ, from the Annunciation to the Ascension. The east and west transepts each feature a large rose window.

The church offers a variety of Christian Formation programs for children, youth, and adults, as well as weekly Bible studies. It has an active youth program, numerous fellowship groups, and several yearly events and traditions, such as the Children’s Christmas Pageant and the All Parish Dinner.