Westover Church

Upon arrival, take a few moments to visit the church and stroll the cemetery grounds. Lunch will be served at the Parish Hall from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM. There Mitch Bowman, long-time parishioner and historian, will share the history of the church through the centuries. Ages 12 & up box lunch options: 1) chicken salad croissant; 2) ham, turkey & cheese croissant; 3) pimento cheese & avocado croissant (all served with chips, deviled egg, apple and brownie). Ages 11 & under box lunch: turkey slices, cheese & crackers, grapes and juice box. Gluten free upon request.

About Westover Church

National Historic Landmark, National Register of Historic Places, Virginia Landmarks Register

The small Anglican parishes of Weyanoke, Wallingford and Wilmington, established as colonists began to migrate west from Jamestown, merged in 1613 to become Westover Parish, one of the oldest church units in the country. The first church was constructed on Westover plantation between 1630 and 1637. It was replaced by the present, more centrally located, brick church in 1731. Its rectangular form was favored for the colony’s smaller ecclesiastical buildings. Westover Church served the families of the great plantations of Charles City County, and Presidents Washington and Jefferson attended services here. As a result of the disestablishment, the building stood abandoned for nearly thirty years, beginning in 1805. Once the church was returned to service, Presidents William Henry Harrison and John Tyler worshiped here. Westover was desecrated by Union troops during the Civil War but once repaired afterwards it has continued in active use. President Theodore Roosevelt attended during this period. The brick entrance was restored in 1956, and the clipped-gable roof was returned to its original form in 1969.

Thank you to The Very Reverend Becky McDaniel, Westover parishioners and Mitch Bowman for sharing this sacred historic place.