One of the original buildings from Williamsburg’s Colonial days, Bruton Episcopal Church is almost 350 years old and remains a vibrant and important part of Williamsburg’s spiritual and religious community to this day.
Established in the late 1660s (with the current building standing since 1715), the church has seen the likes of Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, George Washington, George Wythe, George Mason and other Patriots visit and worship within its stone walls.
The church is located at what once was the center of Williamsburg’s original survey map and this central location shows how important it was to the fledgling community’s life.
Bruton served its community well over the centuries, doing double duty as a either a storehouse or even a hospital (perhaps both) during the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. It also took in the sick and wounded during the Civil War Battle of Williamsburg in May 1862. It was a Union hospital but nevertheless served wounded Union and Confederate soldiers.
Two infant children of Martha Custis Washington by her first husband, Daniel Custis, are buried in the Bruton Parish Churchyard.
The church is open daily for visitors, with church members acting as guides. Visiting hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Visitors are welcome to join parish members for worship. Service times are Monday through Saturday at noon (noonday prayer). The Holy Eucharist with healing takes place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Sunday services take place generally (depending on the holiday and liturgical time of year) at 7:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Visit the church’s website at www.brutonparish.org.
