Although a historical building, the Bruton Parish Church is still used as an active Episcopal Church and has over 2000 members. The church has been fully restored to its 17th century design and décor and is one of the historical centers of Colonial Williamsburg today.
The Bruton Parish Church was originally a much smaller church, however in 1711 Governor Alexander Spotswood and Dr. James Blair, church rector, worked together to approve the building of the current church which was completed in 1715. It was the first church in Virginia to be built in the cruciform shape, which later became very popular in the colonies. The measurements of the brick church were massive for the time, 75 feet long, 28 feet wide and the additional 19 foot wings or arms of the cross. Since the government officials were required to attend church in the colonial period, the church was considered to be the center of much of the decision making as well as the social events of the times.
The actual restoration of the Church began in 1903 and is attributed to Reverend Dr. Goodwin, who used church documents and town records to reconstruct and refurbish the church both inside and out. This restoration process has continued through the development of Colonial Williamsburg and now features engraved name plates on the church pews to remind worshippers and visitors of the famous people that attended the church throughout its history.
The Bruton Parish Church is open for worship on Sundays as well as for special ceremonies throughout the week. There are five services on Sundays and special youth and college programs that are open to the general public.
The following tours visit Bruton Parish Church:
We also offer a detail of most tour stops, drive bys and visits with our Tour Connections page.
