Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Virginia

Bruton Parish was established in 1674 and was the church home of many of the founding fathers while in Williamsburg during colonial times.  George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, among others, attended during their politcal activities in the Virginia House of Burgesses. It was a prime place for public meetings regarding issues with England and the onset of the revolution.

Given the important connections between the Anglican church and the government during colonial times, Bruton Parish is located a short walk from the Governor's Palace on "The Palace Green" and on Duke of Gloucester Street.

Reverend W.A.R Goodwin, during his second tour as rector at Bruton Parish, convinced John D. Rockefeller, Jr. to finance the restoration of Williamsburg, including the church, to its colonial splendor. The church is open for tours and is an incredibly beautiful example of the detail that went into the remaking of Colonial Williamsburg. 

The church is surrounded by a variety of twisted and gnarled old trees that frame it beautifully and shade the graves encircling the church building.  The graveyard holds the remains of many of Williamsburg's important citizens of colonial days. 

The church has been in continuous operation for more than 300 years.

Up the street from the church is the

lovely Bruton Parish Gift Shop pictured below

We are participating in Window Veiws and Doors Too photo meme. : )

Bruton Parish Church Yard, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

Bruton Parish Church was a dominant fixture in Williamsburg in colonial times.  These photos show the gate to the churchyard leading to the Palace Green and the view into and through one of the massive windows exposing its counterpart on the opposite side of the church.  Click here to see more photos and information about Bruton Parish church.

Autumn At Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Virginia

 

Bruton Parish Church is picturesque in any season.

Bruton Parish Church Garden, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Just down Duke of Gloucester Street from historic Bruton Parish Church in Colonial Williamsburg is the Bruton Parish Book and Gift Shop and offices.  This garden runs along the walkway beside the building. The second photo is the guide that is posted near the garden to describe the many items growing there.

High Mass At Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Virginia

The lectern from which the pastor speaks at Bruton Parish Church towers high above the podium in the foreground. The elevation makes it easy for parishioners to see and be seen during the service. 

Bruton Parish Shop, Williamsburg, Virginia

 

 

The sign at the Bruton Parish shop is almost as beautiful as the church itself.

Greenhow Tomb, Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Virginia

This unusual tomb belongs to John Greenhow, a local merchant, and is located in the Bruton Parish Church yard.  We thought not only the shape unusual but the extensive inscription. Click here for photos related to Greenhow and here for Bruton Parish photos.

Interior Of Bruton Parish Church, Part Two, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Historic Bruton Parish Church, located on Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg, though not part of Colonial Williamsburg, is a history lesson on its own. 

The first photo is of the elevated pulpit with cantilever-supported sound board to project the speaker's voice.  The second photo is a bronze lectern presented to the church in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt in conjunction with the 300th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown. The last photo is the Governor's Pew, where the colonial governor would sit for services.

For more photos of Bruton Parish, click here and here.

Window To The Soul, Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Virginia

This window at the Bruton Parish Church brings light over the organ and altar inside.

Bruton Paris Pipes, Williamsburg, Virginia

The organ pipes make a beautiful backdrop for the altar at Bruton Parish Church but that are just a few of the many pipes hidden in the bell tower.

Bruton Parish Touch Up, Williamsburg, Virginia

Historic Bruton Parish Church recently had a little touch up work.

Bruton Rooster, Williamsburg, Virginia

This rooster sits atop the Bruton Parish office building keeping a keen eye on all things below.

Garden View Of Bruton Parish Church, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This photo of one corner of the Nursery garden in Colonial Williamsburg is backed by historic Bruton Parish Church.

Bruton Parish Cemetery, Williamsburg, Virginia

Bruton Parish Church is surrounded by a walled courtyard and cemetery with headstones dating back several hundred years.

The Open Gate, Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Virginia

 

Bruton Parish Church opens its gate and its doors to the public each day. It is a magnificent church that served the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison during the colonial era. It continues to serve many congregants each week.



Happy Elf, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Christmas season brings out a variety of unique characters, including this happy elf at the Bruton Parish Church office.

Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Virginia

Historic Bruton Parish Church is surrounded by a wall enclosing the church and graveyard.

Easter At Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Virginia

Happy Easter!

Bruton Parish Church, the worship place of Washington, Jefferson, Madison and others while attending to government duties in Williamsburg, the colonial capitol of Virginia, is a beautiful place to celebrate the resurrection.

Sunset Over Bruton Parish Church, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

The sun lit the sky as it set behind Bruton Parish Church on Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg.

To see more beautiful skies around the world,click here for
 Sky Watch Friday.

Interior of Historic Bruton Parish Church, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

Bruton Parish Church is a spectacular old church located on Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg.  It was established in 1674.  The photos above show the altar, the altar area including the organ pipes and baptismal and a shot from the rear of the sanctuary. .

To see the outside of the church and to read more about its history, click here.

This is part one of a two part series on the church.