How about stepping back in time with me for a moment? We are standing before Truro Episcopal Church. Its story is deeply intertwined with the history of Fairfax, Virginia.
Truro Church’s origins trace back to 1843. Reverend Richard Templeton Brown from The Falls Church organized a congregation. They first gathered at the Fairfax Courthouse. Later, they met at Mrs. William Rumsey’s home. She was a Baptist from New York.
In 1845, a plain white frame church named Zion Church was built. This stands on the present site of the Truro Chapel. However, the Civil War disrupted their worship. Union troops advanced and the congregation had to abandon Zion Church. It served as a munitions storehouse and was eventually destroyed.
Interestingly, the nearby Gunnell House served as Union headquarters. General Stoughton stayed there until Confederate Captain Mosby captured him. Graffiti from Union officers remains on the walls. Today you can see it at the Fairfax Museum.
After the Civil War, the Zion Church congregation reformed. They met again in the Fairfax Courthouse. In 1878, Zion Church was rebuilt and consecrated.
Zion Church served the community until 1933. A new church was needed for the growing congregation of 100 people. This new church was designed to look like Payne’s Church on Ox Road. It was consecrated as Truro Episcopal Church in 1934. The old Zion Church became the Parish Hall. Sadly, it burned down in 1952.
Reverend Dr. Raymond Davis became Truro’s rector in 1948. He hoped to fill the 100 seats in the little brick church even once. The congregation grew rapidly. The church needed to expand because of suburban growth in Northern Virginia.
A larger church was built in 1959 that could seat 500 people. The first service was held on Palm Sunday 1959. The mortgage was paid off in 1974. Truro Church was finally consecrated. The original church became known as the Chapel.
Truro continued to grow and minister. In 1967, a group from Truro started a mission church. It became the Church of the Apostles.
Under the leadership of the Reverend John W. Howe from 1976 to 1989, Truro saw both physical and spiritual growth. Another mission church was established in 1985. It was the Church of the Epiphany in Herndon, Virginia.
The Reverend Martyn Minns became rector in 1991. He emphasized outreach and the Alpha Course. Truro launched the Lamb Center in 1992 to help the homeless. Additional churches were planted.
In the 21st century, Truro left its denomination. It affiliated with a new Anglican expression in America. In 2006, Martyn Minns became a bishop in this new movement. This led to the Anglican Church in North America.
The Reverend Tory Baucum became rector in 2007. Truro continues its mission with love for Jesus. They focus on outreach both locally and globally.
Truro Episcopal Church stands as a testament to faith. It has survived war, growth and change. The church remains dedicated to its community and its mission.