Christ Church Cooperstown: A Historic
Home for Music and Community

Christ Church, nestled in the heart of Cooperstown, is more than a place of worship—it is a landmark of history, beauty, and cultural vitality. The Chuch has long stood as a cornerstone of community life, its soaring stone architecture, intricate stained glass, and resonant acoustics making it a sacred space for spiritual reflection and an inspiring setting for music.

The Church was founded through the missionary labors of the Rev. Daniel Nash—who became the Church’s first rector after presiding in 1800 over the burial of Hannah Cooper, daughter of village founder William Cooper. That act of pastoral grace inspired the construction of a brick church in 1807 and formal incorporation on January 1, 1811. The original structure endures to this day, transformed in 1840 through a “Gothicizing” renovation overseen by churchwarden James Fenimore Cooper.

The sanctuary’s warmth and intimacy create a unique environment where music and community intertwine. For nearly two centuries, Christ Church has welcomed countless gatherings—celebrations, vigils, concerts, and conversations—that have shaped the fabric of Cooperstown. Its history includes visits from prominent figures, connections to James Fenimore Cooper’s family, and generations of parishioners who have cherished it as a place of belonging.

Today, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra is honored to call Christ Church its home in Cooperstown. The church’s acoustics bring out the finest details of chamber orchestra playing—every nuance, breath and shimmer. For audiences, the space creates a closeness to the music and musicians that is rare in larger concert halls, allowing listeners to experience orchestral music as it was often first imagined: up close, immediate, and personal.

The partnership between Christ Church and Fenimore Chamber Orchestra reflects a shared commitment to preserving tradition while welcoming new voices and ideas. Just as the church has long served as a gathering place for worship and reflection, it now also resonates with the sounds of musical classics, old and new, bringing together audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

We are deeply grateful to Christ Church for providing a home to Fenimore Chamber Orchestra—a place where music, history, and community converge, and where the spirit of Cooperstown finds powerful expression in sound.