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...Through all the stages of your life. You can count on us to be your church family. From your birth date to the departure date on your grave stone, God and his workers are here to love and support you throughout your "dash". Holy matrimony: the blessing and joining of two hearts. Holy Baptism: the promise to grow into the full stature of Christ. Children's nursery every Sunday during the 10:30 service, including Godly Play curriculum the 2nd Sunday of each month for Pre-K through 5th Grade. Support at every age. Loving Jesus and each other. Our Cub Scout Troop gets kids started on the right foot. Boy Scout Troop 341 Our Free Summer Fine Arts Camp for middle school students. Fine Arts Camp And our fun Robotics Camp, also for middle school students. Robotics Camp Scholarships for members, and those affiliated with the Parish, up to age 21. May be used for, but not limited to religious, elementary, secondary, undergraduate, special, technical, vocational, and professional. Elizabeth B. Sanders Educational Scholarship Fund Goody bags for Christchurch School students during exams. Our accomplished Eagle Scouts Boy Scout Troop 341 Christian instruction and forums for adults. We're here for Middlesex veterans. Veterans Luncheon We're still here for you. End of Life Planning - A Gift for Those You Love We're Here for You and for our wider Community.

Ready to race! Our three-day Robotics Camp is open to interested middle school students. We meet on three consecutive Saturdays to learn building and programming/coding. Laptop computers and the robotic car kits are provided, and in the end, campers get to take home their robotic cars to keep. Class size is limited to give participants the best possible experience, and pre-enrollment is required. Campers do not need computer programming experience. A student may be eligible to participate even if he/she has participated in the past, however, if demand is high, priority will be given to first timers. Dates and times of each Robotics Camp will be announced to the public. Day 1: Getting started Learning valuable skills. Several volunteer mentors are there to guide over the confusing spots. Class of October 2025 and their mentors. (After only a few hours of Day 1.)

... And for our wider community. Supporting community services such as our amazing first responders. And helping to sustain our neighbors. We love kids, dogs & cats, teachers, students, veterans, and first responders – not necessarily in that order! And we care about those in need and all of God's creation.  Here are some of the community organizations we support, and below those organizations are programs at Christ Church Parish that are open to the community, including you and your family. Avalon Center (For abused women) Middlesex County Resue Squads Christmas Friends Middlesex High School Charger Closet Deltaville Maritime Museum Middlesex Little League Habitat for Humanity Middlesex Museum & Historical Society Hands Across Middlesex Middlesex Pet Friends for Life Hartfield Family YMCA Middlesex Public Library Jacob's Ladder Remote Area Medical Volunteers Middlesex County Fire Departments Virginia Wounded Warrier Project Our Programs We mentioned kids and dogs and veterans - what a combination! - but we are dedicated to their learning, love and respect. We have something for everyone, beginning with our annual Blessing of the Animals, when we bring our dogs, cats, birds, turtles, whatever, into church for a Holy blessing in the tradition of St. Francis of Assissi. Arriving for the Blessing of the Animals - every pet's best day! Blessing of the Animals Our Cub Scout & Boy Scout Troops have been building fine young men since 1947. Boy Scout Troop 341 Free Summer Fine Arts Camp Summer Fine Arts Camp Annual Veterans luncheon honoring those who served to keep us free. Veterans Luncheon Scholarship funds are available for Parish members, and those affiliated with the Parish, up to age 21 and may be used for religious, elementary, secondary, under graduate, special, technical, vocational, professional or other educational purposes. Elizabeth B. Sanders Educational Scholarship Fund "Ready to race." Robotics Camp - Learn and Build Robotics Camp We show our sincere appreciation for Middlesex teachers with individual homemade goody baskets. Led by Rev. Randi, our weekly Adult Bible Study is for everyone regardless of religious background or knowledge level. We're here for questioning, sharing, exploring and laughing. Godly Play for children Pre-K through 5th Grade the 2nd Sunday of each month. Events honoring Lt. Gen. "Chesty" Puller, a Christ Church parishioner and most decorated Marine in U.S, history. Lt. Gen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller - The Most Decorated Marine in U.S. History Annual Puller Run - Honoring Chesty Goody bags for Christchurch School students during exams. Christ Church Parish volunteers doing their best for Habitat for Humanity. (Hmmm. Why does this look like a paint commercial?) We grow and donate healthy produce from our Creation Care Garden. We're Here for You throughout the stages of your life.

Chesty Puller - Local hero and Marine Corps hero. Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller, the most decorated Marine in U.S. history, was born in West Point, Virginia, and later moved his family to Saluda. He and his family were Christ Church Parish members for many years. His wife, Virginia Puller, was the head of our Altar Guild and very active in Parish life here. Chesty died in 1971 and Virginia in 2006. They both rest in eternal peace here in our Christ Church cemetery. Chesty & Virginia Puller at their home in Saluda. Every fall, the Marine Corps honors Chesty Puller with their annual Puller Run to his gravesite here at Christ Church Parish. Read about Chesty Puller's military career and honors in Lt. Gen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller - The Most Decorated Marine in U.S. History. Marines arriving at Christ Church. Some supportive Christchurch School students awaiting the Marine runners. Bikers come from near and far. At the Gravesite. Rev Randi welcomes the troops. Christ Church parishioners provide healthy refreshments for the runners to wrap up the event. Lt. Gen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller - The Most Decorated Marine in U.S. History

Chesty Puller - The most decorated Marine in U.S. history. Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell Puller is a legend among the Marine Corps. He is held in high esteem for all his heroic acts. Marines have several adages and mottos that honor the late Lieutenant General; Marine boot camps will often end their nights with a "Good night, Chesty Puller, wherever you are!" He provided thirty-seven years of his life to the United States Military. Puller was born on June 26th, 1898 in West Point, Virginia (not to be confused with the location in New York that is home to the prestigious military academy.) He was born to Matthew and Martha Puller. His father unfortunately died when Puller was at the young age of ten. As a child Puller soaked up stories of the Civil War. He could not get enough of hearing about Stonewall Jackson, who became an icon to him. When America was involved in a struggle with Mexico in 1916, Puller was motivated to join the Army, however he was too young to volunteer himself and needed parental consent. His mother, already having lost her husband, would not authorize her son to enter the war. Two years later Chesty got to pursue his calling. In 1918 the young man attended the Virginia Military Institute. However, the country was in the midst of World War I and Puller was dissatisfied with the lack of action at the institute. Puller was eager to get in the midst of it and was quoted as saying that he wanted to "go where the guns are!" Chesty Puller was not alone. These alums of VMI were also eager to join the Marines in 1918. Later in 1918 he joined the marines and was enlisted at the private position. He attended boot camp in South Carolina. Unfortunately due to timing, he never got to see combat during World War I. However, at the time the Marines were expanding and he got to go to a non-commissioned officer school after boot camp. In June of 1919 he graduated from the officer school and was appointed to the position of Second Lieutenant in the Reserves. The war officially ended and he was placed in inactive status. In 1922 he served in the war with Haiti. He served in the Gendarmerie d'Haiti as a lieutenant and served as the adjutant to Major Alexander Vandegrift, who would go on to be the future commandant of the Marine Corps. In 1924 Puller returned to the United States and served with a marine regiment in Quantico, Virginia. In 1926 he was stationed in Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. In 1928 he was stationed in San Diego, California and in December of that year he was sent to serve on the Nicaraguan National Guard. The Navy Cross. Chesty Puller earned five (5) of them over the course of his service - more than anyone else ever! In Nicaragua, Chesty earned his first Navy Cross for leading five successful engagements. In July of 1931 Puller was sent to more officer training in Georgia and then returned to Nicaragua where he earned another Navy Cross for his excellent leadership and service. Due to his competency in Nicaragua, Puller was sent to deal with the conflicts in China. In 1936 Puller finally returned to the United States. Puller worked in Philadelphia as a teacher at the basics school. However, three years later in 1939, Puller returned overseas and served as the commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines in China. In 1942, a few years into World War II and near the start of the Pacific Theater, Puller was assigned to defend Samoa with the 3rd Marine Brigade. In September of that year he was reassigned to Guadalcanal. Puller made himself almost immediately useful and helped to keep losses down. In 1944, after his time served in the Pacific Theater, he returned to the states. He was given the title of executive officer of the Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Lejeune. He eventually ended up as the commander of the Marine Barracks at Pearl Harbor. In 1950, once the Korean War began Puller was made commander of the First Marine Regiment. He received his second Legion of Merit for his service provided in the fall of 1950. He returned stateside in 1952 and worked at training camps. In 1953 he was promoted to major general. Puller worked in the Marine Corps until 1955. He had a stroke in February 1955 and eventually retired at the rank of lieutenant general in November of that year. In 1971 Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell Puller passed away on October 11th. Puller lives on in Marine Corps culture and is greatly respected for his efforts to improve the working conditions for the Marine Corps. He lives on in the memories of Marines across the United States. Below is a list of Chesty Puller's service awards. Navy Cross - 5 of them Army Disttinguished Service Cross Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Air Medal Purple Heart Navy Presidential Unit Citation Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal World War I Victory Medal Second Haitian Campaign Medal Second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal Marine Corps China Service Award American Defense Service Medal American Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal National Defense Service Medal Korean Service Medal Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation United Nations Korean Service Medal Ribbon Article source: USA Military Medals Annual Puller Run - Honoring Chesty

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At one time, most of us were, too.  We came from various backgrounds to the “big tent” of the Episcopal Church.  Just as we were welcomed, so are you.    What We Believe We believe in the Trinity:  God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.  And as Jesus, the Son, taught us, we are called to love God and to love our neighbors and all of God’s Creation. We believe Jesus was the true and only Son of God, sent to live among us, to teach us what God expects of us, and to die on the Cross to save us from our sins.   Just as Jesus was resurrected from death, we believe in Eternal Life.   Setting us apart from some churches, the Episcopal Church’s tenets are based on the three-legged stool:  Scripture, Tradition and Reason.  We believe that, like a three-legged stool, our faith and our understanding is incomplete without all three.    What to Expect at an Episcopal Church We are a traditional, liturgical church.  Our Sunday Bible readings (lectionary) are the same scriptures as other Episcopal churches are reading on any given Sunday.  And our worship services follow a liturgical calendar, including the seasons of the Church and their applicable colors and traditions.  Liturgical Calendar We stand, kneel and sit – some call it “pew aerobics.”  The general principle is:  kneel or stand for prayer, stand to sing and to recite the creeds, and sit for readings and instruction.  Or the easiest way, just follow those around you!   What to Expect at Christ Church Parish Although all Episcopal churches follow the same liturgy, some Episcopal churches are more casual and some more traditional in their rituals and music.  Christ Church is more traditional in our rituals and music.   However, our manner of dress is anything from suits & ties to shorts and sport shirts in the summer.  Honestly, we're more interested in your heart and soul than in what you’re wearing. Celtic Christmas Concert We’re social.  We have lots of opportunities to work and talk and laugh together on committee assignments and on a myriad of church projects - our biggest project being the annual Urbanna Oyster Festival.  And we have special luncheons, dinners and socials throughout the year. The Christ Church tent at the Urbanna Oyster Festival. Yes, lots of work, but fun work. Working together brings lots of laughs, and just as important, we bring in lots of money for our church's many programs and outreach. Christ Church parishioners are mostly retired professionals and tradespeople who use their years of experience and expertise in support of our beloved Church and wider community.  While our building is historic and our worship is traditional, we encourage fresh, innovative and energetic ideas in maintaining its vitality.  We welcome all ages and all backgrounds.  Whether you're from a Christian or non-Christian home, or whether you left the church years ago or have never attended church, you are welcome here. Like the old Bill Withers song, "We all need somebody to lean on..." God is always here for you and quite often works through those right beside you. It's called a "church family" for good reason. You are welcome to join our family - to help provide strength to others as well as to receive it. To learn as well as to lead. If you’re a parent, bring your own family to meet ours, and feel free to invite a friend and their children. All are happily welcomed!     How the Episcopal Church Is Organized Beginnings The Episcopal Church was founded by English settlers in America, who started Church of England congregations here.  Following the Revolutionary War and independence from England, those congregations became the Protestant Episcopal Church, and finally in 1821, the churches were incorporated as the Episcopal Church.  This 1613 Church of England Book of Common Prayer was a predessesor of the Book of Common Prayer we use today. The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer is an amazing compilation of Service rubrics, Psalms and beautiful prayers for nearly every situation in your life, the life of the Church, and in the world. Episcopal v. Episcopalian Which word to use for what? The term Episcopalian is a noun and refers to a person who is a member of the Episcopal Church. The term Episcopal is an adjective that describes a church, a bishop, a priest, a book, a tenet, a doctrine, etc. "John is an Episcopalian, but more than that, he's an Episcopal priest." The Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church is one of 28 independent churches in 164 countries that make up the Anglican Communion.  The Archbishop of Canterbury is the “point of unity” within the Anglican Communion, which is why the archbishop is included in our prayers.    The Episcopal Church in the United States The chief pastor of the Episcopal Church in the United States is the Presiding Bishop.    Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop There are 99 Episcopal dioceses in the United States, each headed by a Diocesan Bishop.   Virginia has three (3) dioceses: Diocese of Virginia, Diocese of Southern Virginia, and Diocese of Southwestern Virginia.  Mark Stevenson, Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia Christ Church Parish, along with 172 other churches, is in the Diocese of Virginia, the 2nd largest diocese in the United States.  The Rector is the church’s spiritual leader and presiding authority, and the elected Vestry is the legal representative of the church.  The Senior Warden is the support person to the Rector, and the Junior Warden usually has the responsibility of the church property and buildings. Below are our Christ Church clergy: The Rev. Randi Hicks Rowe (Priest-in-Charge), The Rev. Dr. Robert Prichard (Priest Associate) and The Rev. Peg Moncure (Deacon)   The Rev. Randi Hicks Rowe, Priest-in-Charge The Rev. Dr. Robert Pritchard, Priest Associate The Rev. Peg Moncure, Deacon

A sermon for All Saints Sunday by the Reverend Randi Hicks Rowe All Saints' Day, which we’re celebrating today, allows us to reflect on how, as holy people through our baptism and seal of the Holy Spirit, we live our Christian life in unity with God and others across time and in the present moment. As Christians, we seek to live with Christlike empathy toward those who lack the resources to buy food or shelter, or who grieve losses, or who fear tomorrow. We also seek to live as Christ did, even when our actions make us unpopular with culture.  We aim to follow Christ, just as our ancestors, the holy people of this place in previous generations, followed Christ. I invite us as we sit in this place, which has been consecrated as a church since the 1600s, to consider how those before us lived into their holy calling, and how that impacts us today. First, a group of holy people -- saints like us met at Rosegill in 1666 to approve a church building here. English settlers had only been here in what was then part of Lancaster County for 20 years. Wars with Native Americans still occurred regularly, and times were tough, as large numbers of English settlers died. The original church, a clapboard structure, likely would have been cold in winter and hot in summer. Yet, despite all those challenges, our ancestors considered following Jesus to be essential, and worshipped here on this site. Founder Ralph Wormeley IV, his wife, Jane Bowles Wormeley, and their son, Ralph Wormeley V. Beginning with our church founders, Christ Church parishioners and their families, saints like us, have kept the faith and held our church together. In the early 18 th  century, a better building was erected – this time of brick. Our current building occupies the same ground as the 1714 church. Rosegill and other plantations developed, and racial and economic factors led to divisions. However, Colonial church vestries, which had the power to tax, collected monies to support the poor and orphans. Saints from all segments of society would have attended Christ Church then, just as now, although each social group would have its own place and role. During the Colonial era, the Gospel was proclaimed here and lived out here, just as it is today. Families then. The children of Christ Church parishioners and patriots, Philip Grymes and his wife Mary. Children: Lucy Grymes, John Randolph Grymes, Philip Ludwell Grymes, and Charles Grymes. Divisions arose during the Revolutionary War, with some individuals identifying as patriots and others remaining loyal to the Crown. Christ Church was disestablished during this time and fell into disrepair. Christ Church was disestablished during the Revolution and fell into disrepair. We could think of this time as an exile of sorts – similar to what Judah faced – when its people weren’t able to worship in the Temple. However, just as with Judah, many of our ancestors found ways to worship God in their homes during this time and prayed for the restoration of the church. And, God did restore Christ Church, just as God provided for the rebuilding of the Temple when Judah returned from exile. God was faithful to the remnant of God’s people – our ancestors here, just as God was faithful to the remnant of God’s people in Judah. The latter 18 th  century and early 19 th century brought additional challenges. In the 1790s, Christ Church was led by a rector whose ministry brought shame and dishonor to the church. Although the church suffered, it survived due to the faith of the holy lay saints of that era. The American Civil War would have brought times of occupation by Northern forces. The plantation system would soon cease to operate, evolving into a system of sharecropping. Other industries would develop, such as milling, shipping, and carpentry. Our ancestors continued their faithfulness, despite social and cultural upheavals and difficulties. The 20 th  century would bring many changes to the country and to Middlesex County, yet faith in Jesus and love for fellow citizens continued in this place. Affordable, comprehensive secondary education was rare during the 1920s and the parish felt a call to ensure more people could access this education. That call led to the parish giving land for the creation of Christchurch School. The church’s leadership and demographics also underwent some changes as women and minorities gained more rights on the national level. Middlesex also became a summer residence for many, and those residents took their place alongside locals as our ancestors, sharing their faith in this place. When we 21st-century saints worship and use our resources to help others in this place, we unite across time with saints who have gone before us. We share their trials and tribulations, as well as their times of celebration. When we bring others to church with us and give our time and money to support the needy, we also unite with them in this time. We, the saints of Christ Church, are part of something great that transcends time. The Rev. Dr. Sarah Birmingham Drummond, the founding dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School writes that the image of the cross “takes on new significance when one considers the perspective on time and space proposed in Ephesians. The vertical beam suggests unity with God, above, and ancestors, below. The horizontal beam signifies unity with others in Christ, in the present. As the beams intersect, we recognize that the life in Christ is a life of unity that provides both continuity and community, both awe and humility.” The vertical beam suggests unity with God, above, and ancestors, below. The horizontal beam signifies unity with others in Christ, in the present. Families now. Still keeping the faith. We, the saints of God, here continue to serve Christ, despite challenges that occur in every era. We adapt to societal changes by finding ways to proclaim the Gospel that are both culturally relevant and timeless. We continue to unite with God through our worship – our prayers, our gifts, and our love for our neighbors. Despite what happens around us, we remain faithful and we’re never alone. God and all the saints of God go before us and with us.

William White, America's 1st Presiding Bishop 1836 Alexander Cooke 164?-1653 Thomas Sax 1653-1654 Samuel Cole 1657-1658 Unknown 1659-1664 Richard Morris 1664-1666 Vacant 1667-1668 John Sheppard 1668-1683 Michael Zyperus * (Supply) 1683 John Davis (Supply) 1683 Duell Pead 1683-1690 (Returned to England) Portrait of Duell Pead as a young chap and King's Scholar, London, at age 16. Thomas Marston (Supply) 1690 Mr. Booker (Supply) 1690 Samual Gray (Supply) 1690 Mr. Clack (Supply) 1690 Matthew Lidford 1691-1692 Samual Gray 1693-1698 Robert Yates 1699-1703 Bartholomew Yates, Sr. 1704-1734 John Reade 1734-1736 Emanuel Jones (Supply) 1736-1737 Bartholomew Yates, Jr. 1737-1767 John King (Supply) 1767 Samual Klug 1767-1794 M. Smith 1800 (Appears in records only once.) Henry Heffernan 1795-1814 (Last rector before 1841) Christ Church was abandoned 1821-1841 and was without a minister 1815-1841. William Yates Rooker 1841 (Seminary graduate) W. H. Goode 1843 (Seminary graduate) Bishop John Johns consecrated the re-opened church June 11, 1843. George S. Carraway 1845-1857 Joseph R. Jones 1857-1859 McDonnall (Interim) 1859 Claudius R. Hains 1859-1864 John McGill 1865-1866 George S. May (Lay reader) 1867-1868 Vacant 1869-1870 James Hervey Hundley 1871-1880 No report 1880 Beverly D. Tucker (Interim) 1881 H. L. Derby (Interim) 1881 William B. Lee (Interim) 1881 John Moncure (Interim) 1882 A. J. Willis 1883-1884 Frank Stringfellow 1885-1890 No report 1891 No report 1892-1895 J. Hervey Hundley 1896-1900 Elliott B. Meredith 1901-1902 H. J. Beagen 1903-1904 R. C. Cowling 1905-1906 No report 1907 Edward Valentine Jones (Interim) 1908-1914 W. S. Killy (Interim) 1915 Wm. C. Brown (Interim) 1915 R. Stanley Litsinger 1916-1919 F. Ernest Warren 1919-1924 A. Campbell Tucker 1925-1929 W. D. Smith 1929-1942 Vacant 1943 S. J. Hutton (Interim) 1943 David Lewis, Jr. 1944-1949 (Became Bishop of Virginia, 1989) Vacant 1949-1950 Phillip Riggs (Supply) 1950 Emmett H. Hoy, Jr. 1950-1955 Charles V. Covell 1956-1966 Jere Bunting 1967-1987 Dabney Wellford (Interim) 1987-1989 Coval T. Grater (Interim) 1992 Jesse Guy (Supply) 1992 William R. Martin 1989-1994 C. Thomas Holliday (Interim) 1994-1995 R. Scott Krejci 1995-2003 Anne West (Interim) 2004-2005 Paul Andersen 2005-2015 Stuart C. Wood 2015-2024 Randi Hicks Rowe 2024 - Present *Michael Zyperus (1683), who also served at Kingston Parish, was from Curacao in the Dutch West Indies and may have originally been a Dutch Reform preacher. There have been a total of 44 permanent rectors since 1650. For 27 years, the rector post was vacant, some of those years the church was in desolation. Before the American Revolution, temporary ministers were called "supply" and after the war, they were called "interim." Gordon Eliot White

Before this. Your final gift to your loved ones is to do your best to ease their burden when they are grieving your loss. Planning a memorial service and organizing your affairs can be overwhelming when waves of grief are overpowering them. You cared about them, worried about them, wanted the best for them, and so you do this for them. You give them as much information as you can to make this time easier. Your loved ones need to know about your finances, insurance policies, precious possesions (whether monetary worth or sentimental value), the care of your dependents, whether children, spouse, parents, grandparents, and what your wishes are regarding your funeral, down to the pallbearers and the music you'd like. There's a lot to consider and to document ahead of time. But easier for you to decide and document than for your loved ones to try to agree on what they think you would want. Do this for them. Items and actions you should address now: Assign Power of Attorney Medical: A living will, medical power of attorney and medical directive Assets: A will & trust agreement Assign an executor Purchase cemetery plot, monument (head stone), monument engraving Cremation, placement of ashes List of tangible items and to whom you want them to go Charitable contributions you'd like made from your estate Guidance on your obituary Funeral service wishes: Rite I or Rite II, Holy Communion, which scriptures, what hymns & music, reflections of family and friends? Provide records/documentation of these items to your named executor, next of kin, and clergy as appropriate. Ensure executor has access (key) to your safe deposit box. For our End of Life Planning brochure, click on one of the links below, and feel free to talk with one of our Christ Church Parish clergy at any time. Let's prepare and make this easier for your loved ones. PDF Document:  End_of_Life_Planning_brochure_3_16_2018_FINAL_two_after_TC.pdf Word Document:  End_of_Life_Planning_brochure_3_16_2018_FINAL_two_after_TC_Editable.docx

A Brief Historical Overview of Christ Church Parish from the first Vestry Meeting on January 29, 1666 through the American Revolution, establishment of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the U.S.A., and the establishment of Christchurch School. January 29, 1666, a General Vestry meeting was held at Rosegill, the house of Sir Henry Chichley.   Records preserved in the The Vestry Book of Christ Church, 1663-1797 read: “We doe accord and agree that ye two parishes formerly call Lancaster and Peankatanck from hence forth be united as one and be called Christ Church parish. “Item. That a Mother Church be built in ye small Indian field next ye head of Capt. Brocas ground.  It being adjudged by us to be about ye middle of ye parish. “Item. That ye Mother Church be called by name of Christ Church … building of ye Mother Church in every respect to be done and finished according to ye Middle Plantatcon, to be finished in six months, glass and iron worke convenient time to be given for its transportation out of England.” The first building was wooden, probably clapboard.  June 9, 1712, the vestry ordered a new church built of brick over a period of two years.  We have every reason to believe it was completed by June 1714.   In 1712 directions were also given for an “arbor” (where services could be held during construction).  Thus, we believe the present building occupies the identical ground of the original wooden church. Our parish was disestablished during the Revolutionary War (1776-1781) The parish was disestablished during the American Revolution, 1776-1781.  The abandoned building deteriorated severely,  the roof fell in and a large tree grew up in the center aisle. The parish was revived under the leadership of “The Protestant Episcopal Church in the U.S.A.”  The brick building was restored starting about 1840.  Since then, for about 170 years, it has served the house of worship for an active congregation.  Considering the fact that the building is 300 years old, it is in remarkably good condition.  Of course, there has always been, and continues to be, a need for maintenance, repairs and renovations. This is the silver communion service currently used by Christ Church Parish. The 1678 silver set is reserved for very special services. Christ Church uses a Communion Silver Service with pieces that date back to a set donated by the Honorable Ralph Wormley of Rosegill in 1678.  During the Revolution the Communion Silver was placed in a bank vault in Fredericksburg, where it was partially destroyed by fire.  Three pieces were restored by S. Kirk and Son of Baltimore in 1855. Ralph Wormeley of Rosegill donated our precious Silver Communion Service in 1678. Sir Henry Chichley's Coat of Arms There are records of seven graves under the church.  Sir Henry Chichley, Deputy Governor of Virginia, was buried, February 9, 1682, near the Communion Table. The following year, Rev. John Sheppard, rector from 1668 to 1683, was buried under the floor.  Other recorded burials are: Madam Catherine Wormley, Aylmer Wormley, Edward Thompson, Mary Reeves and her son.  The Thompson slab, now set in the aisle flagstones, was found under the floor of the church when the building was renovated in the 1920’s. The Edward Thompson burial slab was found under the floor of the church in the 1920s and is now set among the flagstone in the center aisle of the church. The historic cemetery has a number of interesting table tombs.  One marks the grave of the beloved Bartholomew Yates, who served as rector for many years and also taught at William and Mary College. Adjacent to the parish church, Christchurch School for boys was founded in 1921 by the Rev. F. E. Warren. Details and subsequent history can be read online in the book "Colonial Churches" pages 246-257 .   An Inscription above doorway to church has dates carved in stone most significant to the congregation in the 19th century.   Timeline  is a copy of a document published by national Episcopal Church, USA, merged with a list of dates significant to our local parish.  It provides an interesting perspective on the evolutions of the local and national churches. Although there were additional restorations in the mid and late 20th century, much of the flavor of the original colonial church remains and the present building is an inspiring example of a historic colonial church celebrating an exciting present.   Gordon Eliot White Resources Founders & Patriots

The Boy Scouts have been meeting at Christ Church Parish since 1947.  Our troop has not only taught young men critical life skills, but also the importance of character, service, citizenship and friendship, and they’ve enjoyed great adventures along the way.   Our Cub Scouts are taking their first steps under the guidance of Troop Leader, Ronnie Taylor. Young men throughout the community are encouraged to join us.  We meet at the Christ Church Parish Hall every Thursday at 7:00 p.m.  Troop members enjoy the outdoors, learning new skills and making lasting friendships!  Come visit and see for yourself! Some of our accomplished Eagle Scouts Our Boy Scout troop helping with a new innovative method of planting oyster beds. Boy Scouts enjoying the age-old tradition of friends around a campfire. And of course, camping.

https://christchurchmiddlesex.thediocese.net/Historic-Cemetery/#:~:text=Hundreds%20of%20funeral%20services,the%C2%A0Interment%20Records . The Christ Church cemetery is a journey through America's earliest times. Hundreds of funeral services have been conducted at Christ Church since it was consecrated in 1666.   Many early burials were at outlying chapels or in private cemeteries at homes and plantations.  Only a few of the markers were durable enough to survive the ravages of time. Our separate article, Founders and Patriots , provides information on this important group of area colonials. These outstanding men are memorialized in a plaque mounted on the cemetery wall. There were no burials in the 40 year period 1815 to 1855, because the connection to England was broken during the American Revolution.  Many clergy retreated to England, however, a majority remained and sided with the patriots. Christ Church, Middlesex, was reconsecrated by American bishops in the mid-19th century.  At that time, customs were rapidly changing in many ways, and burials in church cemeteries became universally popular.  Graves were marked with durable materials, and we now have records from that era carved in stone or cast in metal. In the 20th century, members of the Christ Church congregation compiled the carved and cast records in handwritten notebooks. Then in the 21st century, the hand written records were digitzed, compiled and organized in a computer-based spreadsheet named Database. This is stored in the "internet cloud" where it is backed up and also available for viewing by anyone with access to the internet at the link: About Interment Records . Photographs of markers are also stored in albums stored in the "cloud."  Links to the main album are conveniently placed in the Interment Records . Our Cemetery Committee and parish office staff maintain the interment records of both the historic and the newer areas of our cemetery.    Because most inquiries are regarding the older gravesites which are within the cemetery wall, those are the ones included in our Interment Records Database.  Click here for that database:  Our cemetery is the final repose of well known historic personalities as well as those who lived and worked less-public lives. All, in their own way, have woven the fabric that is Virginia and America. One of the most accurate and complete resources is Christ Church’s registry of marriages, baptisms and burial services, especially the edited version by Craig M. Kilby - Christ Church Parish Register, Middlesex County, Virginia, 1651-1821: An Interpretive Reconstruction, New Papyrus Publishing, Athens, GA, 2014.   Christ Church has a copy of the book and will happily provide you access by appointment.  You may also purchase the book online through various vendors.    Unfortunately, very few early burials are mapped in the Christ Church graveyard.  Most of the pre-1840 graves are now unknown.  However, researchers seem to think they are all there.  We know that over the years the church lost track of various burials that were later rediscovered during repairs and renovations.

Wearing our pearls and on our way to Christ Church with eager anticipation! Every fall, the Episcopal Church has a Blessing of the Animals in celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his love of nature and animals. Parishioners bring their dogs, cats, turtles, birds, or whatever pet they want to be blessed by the priest. It's a fun, heartwarming service. Pets make new friends and impress parishioners with their quirky personalities, and sometimes, with their Sunday best behavior. Meeting new friends It's a family affair. Rescued and blessed. Sunday best behavior. And some kiss the priest in gratitude for the blessing.

Some Middlesex veterans still have their uniforms, and even better, they still fit! These are just a few of the many veterans who attend our annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon. Each year around Veterans Day, we show our Middlesex veterans how much we respect and appreciate their service. After all, America would not be the home we love without their willingness to guard our precious freedoms. Veterans up and down county are welcome to attend and enjoy good food and share old memories. Thank you! Men and women of character and courage.

Young people, Christian education and education in general were all important to Elizabeth B. "Tan" Sanders. Christ Church Parish is fortunate to benefit from her benevolence in offering the Elizabeth B. Sanders Educational Scholarship Fund to young people affiliated with Christ Church Parish. For all ages under 21. Scholarship funds are available for Parish members, and those affiliated with the Parish, up to age 21 and may be used for, but are not limited to, religious, elementary, secondary, under graduate, special, technical, vocational, professional or other educational purposes. Educational opportunities that can last a lifetime and hopefully enrich many lives. For vocational and trade schools. High school or college. Application forms may be picked up from the Parish office or by clicking on the link below and downloading and printing the form. Elizabeth_B._Sanders_Educational_Scholarship_Fund_Application_Form.pdf

Our free Summer Fine Arts Camp is for rising 5th graders through rising 8th graders, who have an interest in at least one of the arts:  music, theater and visual arts.   It’s a week of fun and learning Monday through Friday, followed on Saturday with a program for parents and guests to showcase what we learned.  On Sunday, we provide the music and lead the Christ Church worship service, followed by an awards ceremony and lunch for campers, guests and Christ Church parishioners.   Each day of camp, Monday – Friday, includes a light breakfast and lunch, plus snacks and other fun stuff.  We sing, act, create art projects, play games, and enjoy other activities.  And all campers receive a Fine Arts Camp T-shirt.  Activities, meals, snacks, shirts – all are free.   Campers participate in Christ Church's worship service that Sunday followed by an awards ceremony and lunch for campers, their families and Christ Church parishioners. Our Basic Schedule Monday – Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm:  Music, theater & visual arts.  Light breakfast & lunch included. Saturday, 9:00am-11:00am:  Breakfast & Camp Showcase Sunday, 9:30am-11:30am:  Warm-up and Church Service             Sunday, 11:30am-1:00pm:  Awards ceremony and lunch for campers, guests and Christ Church parishioners

During the colonial period in Middlesex, the area known as Christchurch became the center of religious and social life in Middlesex County, and its prominence lasted for over 100 years. The Honorable Henry Corbin of Buckingham House established Lancaster Parish covering the area from central Middlesex to Laneview. Early districts within Middlesex were formed by the creation of two church parishes.  On May 27, 1657, the area from central Middlesex to Laneview was established by Henry Corbin and others as Lancaster Parish.  Probably a little before that, Edmund Kemp on the Piankatank and others in the lower end of the county had already started forming what would become Piankatank Parish and Lower Church.   The early Anglican parishes in Virginia had the power to collect taxes from their congregations.  Tithes were a tax used to support the church facilities, to hire ministers, to purchase glebe land (home for the minister and a parcel of cultivated land, belonging to and yielding revenue for the parish church), to maintain roads and to provide social services for the poor, orphans, and bastard children living in the parish.   Shortly after the formation of the two parishes, an issue arose as to just where the parish lines in the center of the county ended, and this grew into a nasty feud between the two parishes.  This feud would become so heated that it eventually ended up before authorities in Jamestown.  In 1661, Charles Hill, an attorney, was employed by the Piankatank vestry to go to James City “for the defending of some differences” between the two parishes.  The parish boundary dispute was centered in the middle of the county where two of the largest plantations were located. The Wormeleys at “Rosegill” owned 3,500 acres extending from the Rappahannock to the Piankatank River.   The other was Lady Lunsford’s “Brandon” that was located at the end of what is today Burhan’s Road.  She owned 1,700 acres and dozens of servants.   The tax revenue from these two properties was considerable and each parish wanted it.  Sir Henry Chicheley had married Ralph Wormeley’s wife after Wormeley died.  He was living at Rosegill.  Sir Chicheley served as a member of his Majesty’s Council and was serving as Deputy Governor of Colonial Virginia.  He quickly grew tired of the bickering between parish officials and was also tired of traveling on Sundays to far-away churches.  Arguably, Sir Chicheley single-handedly took away the two parish system in the county to form Christ Church Parish, the “Mother” church of Middlesex, just down the road from Rosegill. The new parish was confirmed by order of the Grand Assembly, October 23, 1666.  The order stated, “Whereas the parishes of Lancaster and Payanketank having been divided into two parishes . . . it is granted that the parishes be reunited and to be called by the name Christ Church Parish.  Christ Church remained the Mother church in the county until after the Revolutionary War when the Church of England fell into disfavor with a victorious American nation.  The church building and graveyard eventually were taken over by the Episcopal Church as it is to this day.   The graveyard at Christ Church has tombs of early colonial settlers of Middlesex, of a Virginia governor (Andrew Jackson Montague); a lieutenant governor (Robert Latane Montague); an attorney general of Virginia (Colonel John Richardson Saunders); and is the final resting place of the famous Lt. General Lewis Burwell (Chesty) Puller, the most decorated marine in U.S. Marine Corps history.

In the 50 years following the settlement at Jamestown, 18 families settled in what is now known as Middlesex County.  This plaque on the wall of our historic cemetery lists the Virginia founders and patriots buried in our Christ Church Parish churchyard. Sir Henry Chicheley's family coat of arms. The most prominent and influential was Sir Henry Chicheley from Rosegill Plantation.  Christ Church Parish is situated on  a parcel that was originally part of that plantation.  There were serious conflicts  between loyalists and patriots when Virginia joined the other colonies revolting against King George.  Seven patriots from this area are memorialized.  Most prominent was Ralph Wormeley also from Rosegill Plantation.   Ralph Wormeley The following describes sources of information about other patriots and founders named on this plaque.  For further information, three attachments are accessible through those active links.   We thank Mike Lyman, Past Governor, Virginia Society Order of Founders and Patriots of America, for providing all of those details in an email to Grace Parker dated June 24, 2015.     Virginia founder, Richard Parrott, born by 1632 in England and died Dec 26, 1694 is listed in the Colonial Dames of America, “The Parrish Register of the Church” on page 29. Also, he is listed in the book,  “Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Vol 1, Lancaster County Record and Order books”. These books are in the Mary Ball Washington Library in Lancaster.  You may have them in your church library. Founders, John Brewer, John Burnham, John Simpson, John Vause, George Williams, Thomas Williams and Henry Nicholls  are also listed in both of the above books. Listed in the first source book above also are Theophillis Hone, Humphrey Jones, William, Nicholson, Richard Parry, Richard Robinson, Sr, William Thompson, John Willis, and John Smyth, but other sources were used as well. Founder Nicholas Cocke and John Welsh are listed in the second source above. Henry Chicheley, John Sheppard and Henry Corbin are listed in L.E. Gray’s book, “Historic Buildings in Middlesex County, 1650-1875.” Other sources were used for many of these men.  To be listed as a Virginia founder, the society’s criteria is have arrived within 50 years of the founding of Jamestown which is May 1657. Attached is my spreadsheet with the sources.  This list has been expanded since 2009,  however the expansion does not affect the church burials. You may show this to others and use as you wish but to publish as a whole document, please list me as the compiler. Several of these burials are without gravestones in the cemetery, but the sources indicate a burial was made which meets the society’s criteria. Mike Lyman Past Governor, Virginia Society Order of Founders and Patriots of America

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