Historic Park Effort Needs Your Help
January 31, 2007
The Fauquier Times-Democrat, Wednesday, January 31, 2007 (with permission)
The discovery of Fauquier County’s first Anglican Church, built in the 1750s, began in 1998 when a neighbor began clearing brush on the Church site at Elk Run, Virginia. Less than a year later, members of St. Stephen’s Church in Catlett, St. James’ in Warrenton, and County volunteers began to uncover the remains of what was the first brick church in Fauquier County’s mid-1700s frontier.
When they took possession of the site in 1999, it was simply a vacant lot with bits of old brick lying about. They had no knowledge or assurance that anything lay below the surface, nor could anyone be certain that the church was actually located there.
Eight years later in October 2006, the all-volunteer archaeological field work was completed. It revealed through 54 separate excavations and discovery of numerous artifacts that the 1750s church was a substantial brick building shaped like a Greek cross. It is regarded as the founding Church of Hamilton Parish. Of further significance was the discovery of a cemetery adjacent to the original edifice. Elk Run’s first minister was the Rev. James Keith (circa 1742-1751), grandfather of Chief Justice John Marshall.
Work to convert the site to a Historic park has begun. Our goal in 2007 is the creation of a landscaped historical park that will include: (1) outlining the original foundation on the surface with Colonial-style bricks, (2) building a protective shelter over a corner of the foundation for year-round viewing, (3) placing archaeological and cemetery information interpretative signs for visitors, (4) installing split-rail fencing for cordoning the parking area, (5) placing benches for visitors to rest and meditate, and (6) planting shrubbery. Once completed, we will apply for Virginia Landmark status and then the National Register of Historic Places, pending available funds.
We are renewing our fundraising effort so as to achieve our Historic Park goal. We appeal to you for help in establishing and preserving this remarkable treasure. Financial donations and or materials for the Historic Park will be greatly appreciated. Every contribution is important. Checks may be made payable to “Elk Run Church Site Preservation Fund” and sent in care of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 8538 Greenwich Road, Catlett, Virginia 20119. Donations are tax deductible.
We send in advance our deep appreciation for your support in preserving Fauquier County’s heritage at Elk Run. Your contribution will help to secure the rightful place of Elk Run Church in the history of Colonial churches in Virginia.
Accompanying photos shows a top-down photo of the completed Elk Run Church archaeological dig and an artist rendering of what the completed Historic Park would look like when completed.
A timeline of significant events, photos, artifacts, cemetery findings, and future plans for the Elk Run Church Historic Park can be found on our new Web Site.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Ed Dandar by email efdandar@us.net or telephone (703-791-6158).
