The Oldest Church in Loudoun
About St. James’ Episcopal Church
Nourished by Word and Sacrament, we are sent out to do the work God has given us to do, to love and serve God as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
—St. James’ Mission
I often wondered what was the first Church established in Loudoun being that the County was founded in 1757. Much to my surprise I discovered on-line that Saint James Episcopal of Leesburg traces its history back to the original Church in 1733. I have met the Rector Reverend John Ohmer a number of times and he and his congregation have been very gracious to The Good Shepherd Alliance Homeless Shelters. Members of the Saint James congregation participated in the Good Shepherd Alliance Walk for Shelter in Leesburg on 20 September. We thank Saint James for their continued support of our programs for homeless and indigent people. The following is taken from the Saint James web site for all to enjoy.
[http://www.stjamesleesburg.org/happening/Guide2StJames.html]
St. James’ Episcopal Church and Shelburne Parish trace their history in Loudoun County back to the 1700s. The first church in Loudoun County, called the “Chapel of Ease for the comfort of the people above the Goose Creek,” was built in 1733. Shelburne Parish was created out of the western portion of the Parish of Cameron in 1770. Before the establishment of Shelburne Parish, the Chapel of Ease was served by visiting ministers. Its first rector was the Rev. Dr. David Griffith, a distinguished churchman, who served from 1771 to 1776. A leader in the early church in Virginia, he was, in 1786, the first man elected bishop in America. Unfortunately he died before funds were found to send him to England for his consecration.
In 1895, the cornerstone was laid for the present building. The first service was held in 1897, and it was consecrated in 1905. The building was damaged extensively by a fire in 1929. Fortunately, because of the thick stone walls, the basic structure withstood the flames and the nave was restored to its present form. In the following years, St. James’ has been expanded several times. The addition of the Parish Hall occurred in 1931, and was extended in the 1950s. In 1972, the house beside the church was remodeled and connected to the church by the construction of a stone and glass arcade. It is here that we find the church offices, the parlor, the Preschool office and some of the Preschool classrooms. In 2005, St James’ acquired properties along King Street for future generation needs.
Saint James Episcopal Participated in 2008 GSA Walk for Shelter in Leesburg
While St. James’ is a church with a rich history, we are a church of the present, active in ministry in our parish and community. We gather weekly to share in the worship of God, hearing and receiving the word of God through preaching and sacraments. Through various educational opportunities we strive for a deeper understanding of Christ, ourselves and others. Through our various ministries, we seek to make the presence of Jesus Christ known to those in our community. We welcome you to our service today and to our community of faith. Please know that this church extends an invitation to you for on-going fellowship and worship. If you would like to learn more about our activities, please identify yourself to the clergy or one of our greeters.
Please know that in the Episcopal Church, ALL baptized Christians, regardless of age or denominational affiliation, are invited and most warmly welcomed to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
St. James’ Episcopal Church 14 Cornwall Street NW, Leesburg, VA 20176(703)777-1124