History

Henrico County has a long history of habitation, first by Native Peoples, then later by English settlers and now people of all ethnicities and backgrounds call this beautiful region home. In 1607, the Virginia Company of London was chartered by the English crown to settle Virginia. Led by Captain Christopher Newport, the explorers met an extensive Native Powhatan chiefdom. The settlers made their home here, drawn by the area’s rich soil, abundant forests and easy access to the navigable waters of the James River. The Episcopal Church, the American branch of the Anglican worldwide communion was the earliest form of Christianity practiced in Henrico, first in Henricus, then St. John’s Parish, and now Varina Episcopal Church.

Our parish began with a committed group in 1922, gathering in prayer near the current site of our sanctuary on Mill Road. The church was built four years later, and the congregation became self-supporting in 1948. Our parish hall was built in 1955. The 20th Century was a time of steady growth for Varina Church. Services were occasionally broadcast on the radio station, WRVA, and the church sanctuary and classrooms were expanded in the 1970’s. In the 1980s, a pipe organ was installed.

The parish has always taken God’s call to love and serve our neighbors to heart. We welcome non-profit groups and civic organizations to use our facilities for meetings and we are dedicated to outreach and service to the region and our wider world. With frequent drives we collect goods to share locally and internationally, supporting those in need at all stages of life. We are well known for our abundant Food Pantry, which we have operated since the early 2000’s, providing groceries to hundreds of hungry people every month.

Until recent years, Varina Parish was largely a rural, farming community. However, the area is now quickly becoming suburban with a significant increase in home building and population. As has been our tradition since the beginning, all who seek to grow in their love and service of God are welcome at Varina Episcopal Church. Come be a part of the next 100 years of our history!