History of Grace Episcopal
Grace Episcopal Church is the largest rural Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia. It was the first church built in Kilmarnock and was consecrated by Bishop Johns in 1852.
At that time, Grace Church, Historic Christ Church, St. Mary’s Whitechapel, and Trinity Church were all served by a single rector. In 1973, Grace Church was given independence and oversight of Historic Christ Church and the other two congregations were able to call their own rector.
Today, Grace Church maintains its ties with Historic Christ Church and continues to celebrate Holy Eucharist there at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings in the summer.
The original Grace Church was built in 1950. Six years later, estate funds were received for renovating the church. The 1852 church, which is the present-day Grace Chapel, was moved and a walkway was built to connect the two spaces. Bishop Goodwin conducted the service of consecrating the new church in 1959. Growing numbers and the need for more space resulted in a further renovation of Grace Church in the mid-1980s which was consecrated in 1988 by Bishop Lee.
The year 2002 saw expansion and renovations that resulted in a new, larger choir room; an expanded chancel area; a family gathering room; more functional office spaces; and an office workroom.
Today, Grace Church is a unique blend of past and present, a place where the Family of Grace’s time, talent and treasure join the offerings of those who have gone before.