St. James On-the-Glebe Anglican Church

On July 2 and 4, 2023, while visiting in Gloucester Virginia, we delighted to discover historic St. James On-the-Glebe Church. The compound modifiers "on-the-glebe" refer to it's historic status as land granted to a member of the clergy (perhaps as early as the 1600s) making it one of the oldest (originally part of the Abingdon Anglican parish) church properties in America. It consists of land and several Virginia Historic Landmark buildings. The glebe (currently over 60 acres) on which St. James stands was / is "cultivatable land granted to a member of the clergy" to support himself & family, hence the corn crops we saw. When the parish was disestablished in 1802, the property was sold to local Gloucester individuals who farmed it; however, at the end of the 1980s, it's final owner, William Riddick, bequeathed it to the Anglican Church to return to it's original use. It's said to be the only glebe still functioning in America. St. Jame's is a traditional, Anglican community with vibrant worship and life. I took more photos (to see, click on the church on google.maps) during the hospitable potluck held after services on July 4. Visit this great church just east of Virginia's Historic Triangle in which you can worship and experience living history as you vacation in the area.

St James On-The-Glebe Anglican is a wonderful parish. As new members, we have been welcomed by everyone and feel so at home. The church building is cozy, appointed beautifully and filled with a sense of peace and the presence of God as you walk inside. Fr Fife is a great priest - knowledgeable, straightforward and kind while leading his flock in the liturgy of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. We had been searching for a more traditional but living church that was serious about its theology and teaching - we finally found it!

St. James is a wonderful parish! Liturgical, orthodox, and growing in its community. Fr. Fife is a young priest who leads his intergenerational congregation with integrity, intelligence, and love. He and his family, with the help of their steadfast congregation, have breathed new life into this place and are bringing the best of the past forward with them into the future. The old farmhouse, buildings, and land are gorgeous and provide a uniquely bucolic setting for this deeply rooted church.

An absolutely wonderful, welcoming and Scripture-based church situated on a gorgeous property that is akin to an oasis for the soul. Faith for the whole family, including our little ones!

St. James is a wonderful Christian Church. Our priest is excellent. Come worship with us. We will welcome you and believe that you will be encouraged.

It's an Anglican Church that uses the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.

This is a great church full of wonderful Christian people.