Grace Episcopal Church
Historic Church Tours
12-3pm
Organ Concert by Joel VanderZee, Music Director
3pm
12-3pm
Organ Concert by Joel VanderZee, Music Director
3pm
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Foundation stones of the original church, constructed of wood and completed in 1748, are visible today under spreading oak trees in front of the present structure. A mountain chapel had previously existed on the premises, having been built by the earliest settlers in the area, probably in the 1730s.
From 1767 to 1770, Thomas Jefferson served as a member of the Vestry of Fredericksville Parish, which included the original church and two others in Albemarle and Louisa Counties.
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The present church edifice was completed in 1855 at a cost of $20,000. A fire in 1895 left only the tower and four walls standing, which were incorporated into the present structure when the church was rebuilt. A 1,575-pound bell was salvaged from the ashes and is still in use.
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The first annual Blessing of the Hounds service was held at the church in 1929.
Each Thanksgiving Day, this colorful ceremony brings together foxhunters and their horses and hounds in the church yard for prayers and thanksgiving.
Each Thanksgiving Day, this colorful ceremony brings together foxhunters and their horses and hounds in the church yard for prayers and thanksgiving.
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The Parish House was constructed in 1933 and expanded in 1971 and 2002.
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Today Grace Church has over 200 members and provides personal and financial sup-port for numerous charitable missions, including Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, Rivanna Conservation Alliance, Service Dogs of Virginia, and many others.