Welcome to beautiful coastal Virginia.

Captain John Smith, explored the nearby waters of the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay within a few miles of where St. Mary’s Whitechapel (SMWC) and Trinity Episcopal Churches would be established. To this day his words ring sweet: “Heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for man’s habitation.” (1612) SMWC, established in 1669, and Trinity, established in 1884, have shared ministry as members of Historic Christ Church Parish, established in 1665. “Willingly joined for mutual benefit and thus for the Greater Glory of God.” In 1973 Christ Church Parish was dissolved when Grace Church, Kilmarnock, outgrew the limitations of shared clergy. SMWC and Trinity agreed to continue as sister churches sharing a full-time rector.

Is God calling you to journey with us?

St. Mary’s Whitechapel and Trinity Episcopal Churches are two separate churches, retaining individual identities, memberships and more. At the same time, by being good stewards of collective administrative, joint financial and spiritual resources we share opportunities for worship, Christian formation, personal guidance and community service, such as the Upper Lancaster County Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels. To find out more about our special relationship, you can view our Covenant.

Our Ministry Profile is available on the Transition Ministry Conference website.

Inquiries about the open clergy position may be directed to the Diocese of Virginia, The Rev. Shirley Smith Graham. The Diocese of Virginia provides information on openings within the Diocese.