History of
Christ's Chapel Anglican Church

Our Story

Christ's Chapel Anglican Church was planted in 2002 by the Rev. Dr. Bertram Card, and began in the living room of its future Vicar, The Rev. Randall Pierpoint. ​Dr. Card became ill very soon after the first services were held and was not able to continue. Randall Pierpoint was appointed minister-in-charge by Bishop Grote, and continued to serve as Vicar for 16 years. The church struggled to find a permanent location, even meeting in the band room of Cal Baptist University for a short time. 

In November of 2008 the church moved to a rented store front on Durahart Street in Riverside, staying there until 2016 when, for financial reasons, it was decided  to rent worship space from Hope Lutheran Church on the corner of Arlington and Anna in Riverside.  The symbiotic relationship that developed between the 2 congregations was a great blessing for Christ's Chapel. Randall Pierpoint faithfully served Christ's Chapel as Vicar for 16 years before he and Deaconess Karen retired in 2017  

During the years at Hope Lutheran the congregation began to grow and families with children joined the fellowship of Christ's Chapel. When the Covid pandemic hit in 2020, the Lutheran congregation suspended Worship, eventually closing her doors permanently and selling the property to the Riverside Unified School District.  Christ's Chapel had to relocate again.  Through the efforts of one of the newer members, Calvary Presbyterian Church opened her doors to Christ's Chapel.  ​

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In 2014, The Rev. Dr. Robert Bowman joined Christ's Chapel as an Assisting Minister, bringing with him an extensive background in Anglican practice, liturgy, and theology, as well as being gifted as a powerful preacher. By 2016, he had transitioned to the role of Vicar of Christ's Chapel, dedicating eight years of his life to nurturing and expanding the parish community.

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When Dr. Bowman first began serving the congregation attendance was modest, averaging 14.  There were no young families with children at that time Through his dedicated leadership and pastoral care, he significantly increased engagement, growing the average attendance to 55 worshippers per service. His tenure was marked by numerous baptisms, weddings, and funerals, as he guided many parishoners through the process of confirmation. His efforts were instrumental in Christ's Chapel achieving full parish status, leading to his appointment as the first Rector of Christ's Chapel in 2022. During the first 22 years of Christ's Chapel's history, Mr. Pierpoint and Dr. Bowman served without pay, enabling Christ's Chapel to save enough money to call her first full-time minister in 2023, The Rev. Matthew Visk. 

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In November 2024, the Vestry of Christ's Chapel received the bittersweet news of Dr. Bowman's retirement from pastoral duties. In December 2024, he was officially named 'Rector Emeritus' of Christ's Chapel Anglican Church. Additionally, our beautiful Christmas frontal, a testament to his 50+ years of dedicated service, was dedicated to the glory of God in honor of Dr. Bowman's faithful ministry. This piece, designed and acquired through Dr. Bowman's initiative, stands as a lasting tribute to his significant impact on our church and its community.