VIRGINIA: Church ruins being transformed into museum and park

By Lisa B. Hamilton, May 01, 2009 [Episcopal News Service] The remains of the Elk Run Anglican Church, which dates from the 1750s, are being transformed into a museum and park in Fauquier County, Virginia.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Catlett, Virginia, about 15 miles to the northeast, owns the property and is overseeing the site's preservation.

When excavation on the site began a decade ago, about the only known facts were that its first rector, the Rev. James Keith, was the grandfather of Chief Justice John Marshall and that it was the first Anglican church in Fauquier county. (The Episcopal Church was not organized until after the American revolution.)

Archeological work uncovered a stone foundation in the form of a Greek cross, along with arrowheads, handmade nails, ceramic fragments, early coins, brick and glass.  A burial ground was also discovered.

Volunteers hope to raise funds to complete the museum this summer. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for September 12.

-- The Rev. Lisa B. Hamilton is correspondent for Provinces I, II, III and IV. She is based in Venice, Florida and Sandisfield, Massachusetts.

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