Reverend Jon Heddleston, 69, said he retired primarily because he served in the role for quite a while and wants to spend more of his time with family. “My wife and I are way past retirement age and we have grandchildren,” he said. “So there are a lot of things we want to do.”

Following more than two hours of public comment and consideration, the Rappahannock County Board of Zoning Appeals on Wednesday approved in a split vote a special use permit allowing Chester Gap Baptist Church to use land it owns off Headwaters Road for outdoor services and activities.

The Rappahannock County Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing at its May meeting on a request by Chester Gap Baptist Church for a special use permit to use a field it owns for outdoor services and events.

Trinity Episcopal Church in Washington is inviting the community to “celebrate the Risen Lord” on Easter morning at an amazing venue.

The horrors unfolding daily in Ukraine were on the minds — and in the prayers — of dozens who gathered in a peaceful town a world away last Wednesday evening. Around 50-60 attendees gathered at Trinity Episcopal Church in Washington for an ecumenical prayer vigil. Several local faith leaders…

A Community Ecumenical Prayer Vigil for Ukraine will take place at 6 p.m. this Wednesday, March 23, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Little Washington. All are welcome, according to Parish Administrator Juliet Del Grosso.

Jeff Thompson, a licensed local pastor, lifelong Methodist and Virginian, will take over responsibility of three Rappahannock Methodist congregations. The Rappahannock Charge includes the Willis Chapel United Methodist Church (UMC), Flint Hill UMC, and Sperryville UMC. 

“With unrestrained and unanimous enthusiasm, the Vestry has called The Rev. Elizabeth Keeler to be the next Rector of Trinity Church, Washington,” wrote Spotswood Williams, Trinity’s senior warden, in a message to the congregation on Tuesday. “She embodies every qualification for which we se…

Reverend Jon C. Heddleston, pastor of Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church in Sperryville, is one of two plaintiffs to file suit against Virginia Governor Ralph Northam in Rappahannock County Circuit Court, according to a press release. 

Sperryville pastor Brian Hermsmeier is among four churchgoers in the region who have re-filed a previously settled lawsuit against Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. 

...but sends the community a video postcard

A significant number of Rappahannock County’s 49 cases of COVID-19 can be traced to a church in Castleton and a week-long revival held there in late June.

Last month, I wrote about Rappahannock County’s predominantly African American churches’ reopening plans to in-person worship services.

Here in Virginia, in the capital city of Richmond, the first 10 deaths from COVID19 back in March were all African Americans. In the county, there are no reported deaths currently for African Americans or any others from COVID-19. 

‘It’s still a work in progress, with some still unanswered questions/concerns’; Amissville church can’t secure adequate cleaning supplies 

By April Heddleston

Talent show, dinner this Saturday in Sperryville

By Kay Wilson

‘I have loved my 4 years . . . at St. Peter’s and I will not be a stranger’

“Those clouds are angels’ robes,” observed 19th century clergyman Charles Kingsley, which would mean God’s messengers were floating everywhere in Rappahannock County on Easter Sunday. Sunrise (through the clouds) services were held from Gid Brown Hollow to Red Oak Mountain, followed by paris…

A large crowd was on hand for Sunday’s Black History Month program presented by the Wayland Blue Ridge Baptist Association Women’s Auxiliary, which included prayer, music, choirists, dancers, and inspirational talks on family, education, employment/economics, culture and religion by leaders …

By William Smith

Two centuries of fascinating history surround Huntly church

Culpeper United Methodist Church was the target of anti-Christian vandalism early Tuesday.

Though relatively few in number, the people of Rappahannock County represent a broad spectrum of views and beliefs. One could say our county is a microcosm of America. Despite differences in opinion, the people here work together as a community and share the love of their freedoms under the …

Giving Thanks

Recently, during the traditional third weekend of October, the women of Trinity Episcopal Church hosted the 60th annual House Tour. We thank each of the women (shown in the photo), as well as our founding house tour and flower matriarch Lois Snead, for decades of dedicated hard work to make …

 The Brotherhood of St. Andrew offers men and boys the Discipline of Prayer, Study and Service; to follow Christ and bring others into his kingdom. We welcome newcomers to join us for breakfast every Tuesday at 7 a.m.  at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 115 N. East St., Culpeper.  Parking: 1…

Operation Christmas Child

The gift of the Thornton River

The Rappahannock Benevolent Fund is now an independent, state-chartered nonprofit corporation. It has 501(c)(3) status effective March 8, as provided by a recent letter of approval from the Internal Revenue Service. Its purpose, stated in its charter, is to serve “as a community relief organ…

First responders, their families and friends congregate for the 12th annual Patriot’s Day honor service and dinner at Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church in Sperryville Sunday afternoon (Sept. 11); preparing for the traditional dove release, birds in hand, are (from front to back) Dollie Atkins…