Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

When to go

About

• Aaron Linsdau Thriller Author★★★★★3 months ago

  As the author of the Grant Colson Thriller Series and SERA Archives Thriller Series, I write action-adventure archaeological thrillers and am always drawn to places with deep historical significance, and Bruton Parish Episcopal Church is one of the most remarkable sites in Colonial Williamsburg. This beautiful brick church sits right near the historic center, just down the street from the House of Burgesses, and has direct ties to the founding era. It’s incredible to step inside a church where figures like George Washington, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson once attended services. Even the seating areas reflect that history. The interior is gorgeous and well preserved, with a calm, reverent atmosphere that makes it easy to pause and take it all in. The staff is helpful and respectful, making the experience welcoming for visitors. One unique detail is the presence of historic graves within the church itself, which is something you don’t often see. It’s a reminder of how old and historically rich this place really is. Overall it’s a fascinating and meaningful stop in Colonial Williamsburg and well worth visiting any time of year.

• Chad Levitt★★★★★3 months ago

  A Living Piece of American History Walking into Bruton Parish isn’t just a tour; it’s a total immersion into the 18th century. While the Flemish bond brickwork and the historic high-box pews are the immediate draw, the real soul of the space is the sound. We were lucky enough to visit while the organist was practicing on the magnificent Dobson pipe organ. In a town that can sometimes feel like a museum, hearing the mechanical action of the keys and the pipes speaking in that intimate, resonant room made the history feel present and alive. The acoustics are surprisingly clear for a building of this age, allowing the complex textures of the music to wrap around you without getting lost in the rafters. Whether you’re here for the colonial legacy or the liturgical music, take a moment to sit and listen. It’s one of the few places where you can hear the 1700s and the 2020s perfectly in sync. Pro-tip: Check their evening candlelit concert schedule. Hearing the organ in that lighting is the definitive Williamsburg experience.

• Edward J Gerety III, DBA, MBA★★★★★10 months ago

  A majestic historical place of worship still in operation. The congregation is welcoming and open to those in and out of the faith. They offered answers to questions not only about the physical church but also the faith it represents without pushing. It is a land of peaceful historical zen.

• Our Haunted Travels - PANICd★★★★★a year ago

  When we first arrived in Williamsburg, we visited the George Wythe house, which was one of the places on our list to stop at. We saw the cemetery while waiting for our tour (and had to walk across the street to get our tickets and passes), but it was closed that early. NOTE: Check the website for the church for the times that they are open for tours (we did not know that at the time). After we left the Wythe house, we walked over to the cemetery and looked around, not realizing that there were tours at the church. Before we left Williamsburg, we did a little bit more research on the church and cemetery and decided we would try to go back and see if it was open. It was, and we went inside to tour the church. The gentleman inside, who was providing historical information about the church, could not have been more personable or nicer. They provided us some intriguing information and allowed us to take some video and pictures. If you take nothing else from this review, just check the times on the church's website if you would like to go inside and take the tour. As an active church, they schedule their tours around their services.

• Kevin Horst★★★★★a year ago

  We visited Williamsburg on a very hot day, and stepping inside the air condition. Church was a wonderful treat! A neat piece of history, and I understand they still owe weekly services here.

• Michael Olszowy★★★★★3 years ago

  Beautiful church with so much history. It's not part of the Colonial Williamsburg organization, but there are church members who volunteer and tell great stories about the history of the church. You can take pictures in the church and then only ask for a $1 donation per person. The grounds are beautiful with grave makers from the 1700's. Beautiful and fascinating. Definitely make time to visit.

• Justin Kuykendall★★★★★10 months ago

  This original church from the colonial period Is definitely worth visiting. Amongst the famous people who attended his church, are George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson. Standing in the sanctuary where they once worshiped was quite spectacular. The people in the church were very helpful in teaching us the history of the church.

• Lara Mi★★★★★10 months ago

  Beautiful historic church still in operation inside the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg. They encourage $1 donation upon entry and do not allow hats or water bottles inside. Thursday night candlelight concert and you can park right by the church.

• Joshua K★★★★★a year ago

  Open tour spot with some volunteers inside that will spend a minute or more telling you stories about the building. It's a really old church, just ask her the year, it's awesome! Picture George Washington sitting there for Sunday service? So cool!! Building is kept up well and makes you feel like you were there. It also still has service on Sunday's, so you can even come for a service for a fuller experience (depending on your religious beliefs, I suppose). But, either way, it's truly awesome building.

• Louis and Elaine★★★★★2 years ago

  The Bruton Parish Episcopal Church is a currently operated church and was not accessible at the time of our visit. We have been inside before and the interior is lovely. This rating is based on the great outside appearance and the historic cemetery and grounds surrounding the church.

Services and facilities

Events and programs

• Candlelight Concerts

  weekly

  Thursday night candlelight concerts