Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 10/18/1988
NRHP Listing Date 03/20/1989
NRHP Reference Number 89000193
Throughout the 19th century, Virginia’s Episcopalians, though few in number, constituted much of the state’s landed gentry. As a result, country Episcopal churches tended to be quite small but are noteworthy for their architectural finesse. A particularly comely example is the tiny St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Powhatan County, completed in 1844. Executed with beautiful brickwork and Classical Revival detailing, the building is a testament to William Henry Harrison, an Englishman and veteran of the Battle of Waterloo, who settled in Powhatan County in 1827. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church was built on land owned by Harrison, who supervised all phases of the church’s construction, even the making of its bricks. Consecrated in 1845, the church was praised by Bishop John Johns for its beauty, though he lamented its small size. A chancel was added in 1890 and a sacristy and vestry rooms in 1915. St. Luke’s continues to serve descendants of original members.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: June 22, 2022
