St. John’s, Hampton: An Episcopal Parish That’s Been “Fightin’ Sin Since 1610”

by Linda K. McMahon
St. John’s 400^th Celebration Coordinator

You may have heard of St John’s Episcopal Church, located in the City of Hampton, Virginia.  You might have driven by one of the markers commemorating one of our earlier locations.  Or, maybe you strolled through our cemetery a time or two.  (As a historic church in downtown Hampton, we seem to have collected a number of souls.)  Or maybe you never heard of us – and are curious to learn more about the oldest continuous English speaking parish in the United States.  You are in luck – we want you to help us celebrate through out the year 2010, as we look towards the next 400 years!

Although we have been here a long time (since 1728 in our present location), we have continuously added to our community, and we would enjoy your company and participation in next year’s events.  Every month in 2010, we have a number of special events planned to celebrate with the various communities we serve and activities we have here at St Johns: with other neighboring downtown and mission churches, our own talented and notable parishioners, the City of Hampton and our role in its history, our education ministry, our mission and outreach focus – and so much more!

Of course our flagship event will be held with the City of Hampton, also celebrating their 400^th anniversary in 2010, during a joint celebratory weekend July 9 to July 11.  On Sunday, July 11, St. John’s will hold a 10:00 a.m. service with our Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and Bishop Herman “Holly” Hollerith of Southern Virginia and leaders of the City of Hampton commemorating our mutual 400^th Anniversary.  This promises to be a significant event for all.

We are planning a dinner for the diocese the evening prior, which is still in the development stages, but be sure to stay linked with the Jamestown Cross for details and updates in the spring issue.  In addition to the actual weekend celebration, we are sponsoring the Legacy of Weyanoke, a journey that pays tribute to that taken by the African ancestors, including those who established in 1619 the first known African settlement in an English-speaking colony in North America.  The Journey includes countless encounters with Native Americans, who became coworkers, allies, friends and family members; on 7 Feb.  A historical talk focused on our early years by author James Tormey, drawing from his book: How Firm A Foundation (ISBN 978-0-87517-135-7) available for sale from our parish office (proceeds are being used to support our 2010 Celebration), will be combined with a period organ recital by John Siderius on 16 May.  On 3 Oct, we are pleased to present a dinner and historical talk by John Quarstein, who will focus on St John’s during the civil war period.  For more information and details on any specific activity/event, visit our website at www.stjohnshampton.org or give us a call at the church office – 757-722-2567.

Here’s hoping you will find time to join us for at least one of these exciting events next year.