Our Story
A Place Where All Are Welcome
St. Mary’s Church is a community of faith nestled in Goochland County, just west of Richmond, in the Diocese of Virginia. We come from many different backgrounds and places to worship God in one of the most serene settings around.
Our Story
Consecrated in 1878, St. Mary’s Church is named in memory of infant Mary Allen of nearby Tuckahoe Plantation. Early on, it hosted monthly worship led by visiting clergy, serving local impoverished coal mining and farming communities. The bell from the steam engine that hauled coal from the nearby mines still calls us to worship today.
St. Mary’s Churchyard features 100 original gravestones, poured by Frank Alley and numbered by his daughter Ida, marking the resting places of earliest members.
As the congregation grew beyond the original building “Little St. Mary’s,” a larger sanctuary, “New St. Mary’s,” was added in 1992, behind the original to preserve its historic character.
Thanks to its strong foundation, St. Mary’s continues to thrive today, offering multiple weekly services, active programs for all ages, and more than $70,000 annually in support of local outreach.
Find Your Place at St. Mary’s
Whatever your age, whatever your interests, whatever your gifts, there is something for you at St. Mary’s. Discover how you can participate in the life of this community.