As St. John’s continues to be a nourishing church family and strives to fulfill its mission as a parish, we take inspiration from our long, varied history. We are fortunate to have many artifacts, documents, and photographs to give us a look into our past. For example, we have photographs of our former rectors starting with the Rev. John J. Norwood who served St. John’s in 1871 and 1872. Many of these old photographs were beginning to fade badly and were in danger of being lost forever. Our talented parishioner Bob Harper has kindly and expertly restored these photographs. On behalf of the entire parish, the Heritage Committee thanks Bob so much for his wonderful work and invaluable contribution to helping preserve this part of our parish’s history.
Do take the time to visit the stage area of the parish house to take a look. The restored photos are in a group. Also, there are larger pictures of the Rev. Edwin Carter and the Rev. Reverdy Estill on other walls. And in the library section of the stage are photographs of three recent past rectors, the Reverends Frank Hayes, Rod Caulkins, and Donna-Mae Siderius. Then visit the museum to see a portrait of the Rev. Mark Chevers who served the parish from 1827 until 1843 and was chaplain for Ft. Monroe from 1838 until his death in 1875.
Originally published in St. John’s Epistle, October 2015.