Saint Mark's Episcopal Church (Historical Marker)

Here follows the inscription written on this roadside historical marker:

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church:
Saint Mark's Episcopal Church is one of several congregations that evolved from the efforts of nineteenth century students from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria. The first congregation met at the original Groveton Schoolhouse on Popkins Lane and Richmond Highway in 1880, providing the farming community its first place of worship between Alexandria and Woodlawn Plantation. In 1903 the Groveton Mission built a church on the west side of Richmond Highway on land donated by Franklin Pierce Reid, adopting the name Christ Protestant Episcopal Church of Groveton. When the congregation moved to this location in 1958 on land given by Carl and Beulah Tavenner, the present name was adopted.

Marker Erected 2010 by The Fairfax County History Commission.


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On April 10, 2011, the historical marker was dedicated by The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, Diocesan Bishop. The service was officiated by The Rt. Rev. John Weatherly. Among those in attendance was Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay and his family, and the granddaughter of The Rev. Kensey Johns Hammond, one of the two young Seminary students responsible for the establishment and founding of the mission service at the original Groveton School House (still located on the corner of Richmond Highway and Popkins Lane). Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay was present at the dedication ceremony. Charlotte Brown and Rob Bluey (Senior Warden of St. Mark's Episcopal Church) unveiled the historic marker.


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Here follows an excerpt from "History of St. Mark’s Church and the Groveton Community" written by Charlotte Brown in 2005 as part of the 125th anniversary of the church:

AMERICAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH and the DIOCESE of VIRGINIA:

Since 1607, worship, evangelism, and service in the Anglican tradition have extended throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The (Anglican) Church of Virginia, as it was called prior to the American Revolution, was established by law in 1619 at the first meeting of the House of Burgesses. The Church of Virginia, under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Bishop of London, developed strong lay leadership and virtually invented the vestry system. This close connection of the Church to the Crown prior to the Revolution led many Virginians to abandon the Church and others to view it with suspicion. The day after the Colony of Virginia declared its independence from England, the Virginia Convention, which governed both the Commonwealth and the Church of Virginia, ordered that prayers for the King and Realm of England be removed from its Book of Common Prayer. Many clergy took oaths of allegiance to the new Commonwealth. Those clergy that did not take the oath went into exile or left America.

At the close of the war, the Episcopalians realized their church must have a national organization and obtain bishops to carry on a national hierarchy. With the goal of creating a governing body, the clergy of Connecticut elected the Rev. Samuel Seabury to be consecrated as a bishop. In 1784, Mr. Seabury traveled to England, but England could not by law, consecrate any man who would not take the oath of British allegiance and they were not inclined to support the new America. Prepared for the British Bishops’ reluctance, Mr. Seabury traveled to Scotland and the Scottish Bishops consecrated him as the first American Episcopalian Bishop. This event or the “Seabury Faction” established the cornerstone of the American Episcopal Church. The Diocese of Virginia is a direct descendant of the first Anglican parish in the United States of America. The American Episcopal Church was allowed to organize itself in 1785, but incorporation was not permitted because the new General Assembly feared the return of an established church in the new America. The first Convention of the Diocese of Virginia met in Richmond in 1785.

In 1786, Rev. David Griffith was the first elected Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia but resigned after failing to secure sufficient funds to travel to England for consecration. The 47-year-old Griffith, rector of Fairfax Parish and a surgeon, died in disappointment later that year. By 1790, the Rev. James Madison, President of the College of William and Mary and a cousin of President Madison, was elected as the first consecrated Bishop of Virginia. He was consecrated by the archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Rochester, and the Bishop of London in September 1790. Only Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania preceded Virginia in securing the consecration of a bishop. In 1792, Virginia Bishop James Madison, Pennsylvania Bishop William White, New York Bishop Samuel P. Provoost, and Connecticut Bishop Samuel Seabury consecrated Thomas J. Claggett as the first Bishop of Maryland. This consecration was the first Episcopal consecration on American soil and united the Scottish and English successions. Bishop Madison experienced the continued weakness of the Church. In 1799, the Virginia General Assembly repealed specifically and by name, all acts in any way touching upon “the late Protestant Episcopal Church.” By 1803, the Commonwealth of Virginia seized the church farmlands across Virginia without compensation. The Diocese of Virginia was fragile and weak.

Bishop Madison died in 1812, and Rev. John Bracken, rector of Bruton Parish, was elected second Bishop of Virginia in 1812. Rev. William Meade, among others, opposed his election and Rev. Bracken resigned in 1813. The Rev. Richard Channing Moore of New York was persuaded to come to Virginia by 1814 to be the second Bishop of Virginia. During Moore’s tenure, a revival of religious commitment and sense of mission occurred, and the Diocesan Missionary Society and the Virginia Theological Seminary were founded.

GROVETON MISSION (April 4, 1880 – 1903):

The history of St. Mark’s Church of Alexandria begins with the establishment of the Virginia Theological Seminary and the mission to bring the spirit of the Lord to the community. The students of the Seminary had a great opportunity for religious work in this part of Fairfax County. The following extract was written by one of the students assigned to the Mission: “This Mission is a daughter of Sharon [mission], and is very proud of her descent. Her birth was the result of the earnest effort on the part of some of the attendance of Sharon, to bring the preaching of God’s word nearer to the homes and lives of those who knew Him not.”

For the most part, the local population consisted of small farmers that appeared to have had no regular Church privileges of any kind until the Seminary was removed from Alexandria to Seminary Hill in the year 1827. The Seminary students began going from house to house on Sunday afternoons holding short religious services in the form of modified prayer meetings. There were no public schools or mission chapels at that time. The Seminary students strived to hold services and open a Sunday school in each district to conduct their mission work. The Missions of the Seminary present a noble record of consecrated service on the part of the students. The student structure within each mission generally included a senior class student-in-charge known as the “Bishop,” a middle class student or students with the designation of “priest,” and junior students known as “deacons.” The Missions of the Seminary provided a great deal of training and
experience for the students. Groveton’s parent mission, Sharon, is one of the oldest Missions situated about three miles southward from the Seminary. Sharon Chapel was built around the years 1848-1849 on a lot donated by the Froebel family and services of the Church were established.

When the Civil War erupted, the third Bishop of Virginia William Meade was the Presiding Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Confederate States of America. General Robert E. Lee visited him shortly before Bishop Meade died in 1862. During 1861, the Union troops occupied the City of Alexandria and they occupied the First Baptist Church property on Richmond Road for use as a hospital. Huntley farm was occupied in the fall of 1861 and again in the winter of 1862. A member of one of the Groveton families, William Sims Reid, was imprisoned for 6 months in the Old Capitol Prison in 1862 when his son (William F. Reid) violated the current law by placing a Confederate flag in the window of their house near Franconia Road. It might be of interest to historian buffs to note that Colonel John S. Mosby (“the Gray Ghost”) and his
rangers, the 43rd Battalion of Virginia Cavalry, operated in and around the Telegraph, Franconia, Beulah, and Alexandria landscape.

The map of 1862 reflects a view of the Groveton community. The Commodore Walter Brooke (first cousin of George Mason and commander of the Virginia naval forces in 1777) had a plantation called “Collard’s Place” which was located in the current Stoneybrooke area.

In 1864 during the Civil War, the Sharon Chapel was accidentally burned to the ground by Union soldiers from Fort Lyon and another chapel was built in 1901. Sharon Chapel was the first Mission to have a cemetery and the Samuel Pulman children (neighbors of the Froebels) were the first burials in the cemetery. On May 1865, Sherman’s Army camped on the area known as “Green Ridge” (William S. Reid’s grounds) for three to four weeks.

By 1879, more homes were populating the Groveton and surrounding communities. This map provides a perspective of the neighbors. Note that Y. Owen Kerby is probably J. Owen Kerby, since reference to Y. Owen Kerby could not be located. Three miles eastward from Sharon Mission, members of the Groveton community began meeting in their homes with Kensey Johns Hammond and Andrew Johnson Willis, two Seminary students.

By April 4, 1880, Hammond and Willis began holding Sunday School on Sunday afternoons in the old schoolhouse off what is currently referred to as Route 1. The schoolhouse land was formerly owned by Mrs. R. C. Lisle. The Army Corps of Engineers paved Route 1 from Camp A.A. Humphreys (now called Fort
Belvoir) to Alexandria in 1918, and they semi-straightened the winding Snake Hill.

Seminary students (Kensey Johns Hammond, Andrew Johnson “A.J.” Willis, Jacob “Brit” Brittingham, and Mercer Patton Logan) established and founded the service of Groveton Mission in April 1880. Based on the diary of the Rev. Dr. Kensey Johns Hammond, he and A. J. Willis rode 5 miles from the Seminary to start a Mission in a School House. Mr. Brittingham and Mr. Logan held a service, with Logan preaching. On Sunday April 18, 1880, the first Bible class lesson of “St. Marks” was taught to 5 pupils. It should be noted that the Record Book of 1904 reflects that Francis K. Leavell conducted the service vice M. P. Logan. It is assumed that the diary is more accurate. From 1876 to 1902, the fifth Bishop of Virginia, Francis McNeece Whittle saw a period of revival as new churches were established across the Diocese.

Thursday, January 13, 1881, Hammond and Willis dressed a Christmas tree and gave children candy to celebrate Christmas of 1880. Services continued when possible during the winter months. On June 20, 1881, Bishop Whittle confirmed three Groveton residents at the Sharon Chapel.

Before graduating to become successful clergy, many Seminary students served in the Groveton and surrounding communities since there was no church of any kind on the road from Alexandria to Woodlawn, a distance of eight miles. Among the earliest students who served at the Groveton Mission in 1881 were Carl E. Grammer, Lucien Lee Kinsolving, and Edwin S. Hinks. Kensey Hammond, A. J. Willis, and Carl Grammer conducted services from 1881 to 1882. Carl E. Grammer’s memories of Groveton Mission as documented were: “How valuable, how precious were the ministrations at the Mission Stations. My mission was Groveton, and I love every stone on the road, and know every rise and fall of the way…how faithfully the people came out to attend the services and listen to our addresses! Every now and then Dr. Nelson used to be very stringent that we should not use our texts for our discourses, for fear that we should preach sermons; but as “themes for meditations” or “subjects for remarks,” the text would slip back…When Dr. Nelson came to Groveton in my student days, he used to give the people a little correction of my lax churchmanship, by preaching about the value of Episcopacy…He was always a little more “churchly” on such lines than usual. The best friends of the Mission, Miss Pierson and Miss Harrison, who although Presbyterians, played on the organ and taught classes…Miss Susie Pierson, my own Sunday School scholar, is now doing a noble Christian work...Among the best influences in my life, I put Groveton Mission and its dear people.” Miss Susie Pierson, an artist and art teacher, as the daughter of Nathan and Susan E. Pierson (originally from New Jersey). The land around Huntley Mansion property was split and sold to the Harrison family (originally from New Jersey) and the Pierson family in 1868. The Miss Harrison referred to was Clara B. Harrison, the sister of Albert “Bert” Harrison. December 25, 1881, the Groveton community decorated the schoolhouse for Christmas service.

In January 1882, Hammond dined at the Kerby farm, planted and decorated a Christmas tree, conducted a service, and gave out prizes, candy, and oranges. Approximately 25 children attended. June 1882 brought Bishop Whittle of Virginia to Groveton to confirm the 46-year old James Owen Kerby. Hammond’s Bible class presented him with a neatly quilted velvet sermon holder. Hammond had graduated from the Seminary and “…had an opportunity to say good-bye individually to them and came away feeling I was leaving very good friends behind me.”

By 1883, church services were conducted each Sunday evening. The church was under the leadership of students from the Seminary. The first trustees were J. Samuel Collard, Franklin Pierce Reid, and Richard Popkins. The Kerby family is mentioned throughout the early history of Groveton Mission. Dr. Hammond’s diary indicates that Virginia Kerby (daughter of the Squire James Owen Kerby) was a zealous promoter of the mission. The Kerby farm (not a dairy farm) extended to the Franklin Pierce Reid’s dairy farm at what is now called Beacon Mall.

J. Samuel Collard (grandson of Samuel Collard) lived off Gravel Road (now Kings Highway). The Kerby family acquired the land previously owned by Samuel Collard (father of J. Samuel Collard). The family home and burial plot are still located on Arundel Avenue. Collard Street was named after the Collard family. The Popkins dairy farm was on the opposite (east) side of Route 1 and was next to the Ayers dairy farm. Popkins Lane was named after the Popkins family.

In 1887 - 1889, Seminary students such as Lucien Lee Kinsolving, now senior class student-in-charge and known as the “Bishop” continued to serve Groveton Mission as new Seminary students John Poyntz Taylor and Benjamin Lucius Ancell arrived.

From 1897 to 1900, David Campbell Mayers served the Groveton Mission in the old schoolhouse. He built the Communion Table used in the chancel. Mr. Mayers also built the Alms Basin used in the Groveton Mission. As the “Bishop” Benjamin L. Ancell was in charge of Groveton Mission in 1899 prior to his commitment to mission work in China.

Mr. Mayers gave a concert November 7, 1902, to raise money to build a church. Funds were collected in the years 1902 – 1903, by the “Bishop” Franklin Davis (Seminary student). James Luther Martin spent the summer of 1903 raising money through contributions from the community, seminary students that had served at the Groveton Mission, and friends, and well-wishers of Groveton Mission. During Bishop Robert Atkinson Gibson’s tenure (1902 – 1919), Virginians became interested in foreign missions, Virginia’s black parishes, and establishment of a group of mountain missions called the Archdeaconry of the Blue Ridge. The altar at Shrine Mont is a memorial to his ministry.

CHRIST CHURCH, GROVETON (1903 – 1958):

In 1903 through the efforts of two students at the mission, James Luther Martin (senior class student-in-charge known as the “Bishop”) and Frank Whittle Hardy, a one-room wood-framed chapel was built on a one-half acre lot (located on the west side of Route 1 between what is now known as Memorial and Groveton streets) donated by the William Franklin Pierce Reid family, who were Presbyterians. They called the new mission Christ Chapel. The communicants belonging to the church were few in number, but at Groveton it was the true UNITAS FRATRUM, for Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists worshiped together and were united to keep up the Sunday School and support the chapel. M. Joseph Griffin (a stonecutter from Ireland) gave the cornerstone, pews were given by St. Andrew’s Church (located in Louisville, Kentucky) through the instrumentality of Mr. Frank W. Hardy, and lamps were donated by the student-in-charge, James Martin.
According to the History of the Theological Seminary, the Groveton Mission was also referred to as Christ Chapel; however, the Rev. Dr. Hammond’s Diary and the Groveton Mission’s Record Book of 1904 indicate the affectionate term for the new chapel was Groveton Chapel. A picture of the original church building is on the cover of this document.

It should be noted that several of the early Groveton residents provided items to the Groveton Chapel: the Communion Table and the Alms Basin were moved from the schoolhouse, Virginia Mason gave the Prayer Books, and Virginia Kerby gave lamps and a large Bible. Miss Mason later married Mr. S. M. Blackford. Miss Kerby married M. Joseph Griffin and they lived at the Kerby estate.

On May 1, 1904, James Luther Martin was the “Bishop”, Francis “Frank” Lee was in charge of the Groveton Chapel, and three seminarians provided assistance. As true pioneer missioners, these men overcame many obstacles in order to hold regular Sunday evening services. It was not unusual for them to borrow Dr. Rust’s horse and his open carriage; nor, when that was impossible, was it out of the ordinary for them to walk in snow four inches to six feet deep. Their efforts showed results, a Sunday School of about thirty and a congregation of about twenty-five. May 22, 1904, the Deeds of Trust and a note for three hundred dollars (which had to be paid in three years) were placed into Mr. W.F.P Reid, Sr.’s hands. Mr. Frank Lee not only had charge of the mission during the summer months of 1904 but also had charge of the Sharon and Lincolnia missions. He boarded with the different families in the neighborhood in lieu of collecting payment for
his service.

June 5, 1904, while Mr. Martin preached his farewell sermon to the Groveton congregation, a thunderstorm came up and many of the congregation became frightened and left. Bishop Lucian Kinsolving preached a missionary sermon to the Groveton community on June 12, and a solo was sung by Miss Margaret Reid of Portsmouth, Va. The attendance was large, and the following Groveton community women were identified as present at the service: Miss Nannie Jacobs, the Worthington sisters (Maria B., Virginia, and Mary M.), Miss Margaret Reid, Mrs. Rust (the doctor’s wife), Mrs. Kinsolving, and her mother, Mrs. Brown. June 19, 1904, Bishop Robert Atkinson Gibson, of Virginia was in the area to attend the Commencement Exercises at the Seminary and went to Groveton that night. This was Bishop of the Diocese’s first visit to Groveton Chapel and confirmed the Hoblitzel sisters, Miss Cora (43 years old) and Miss Stella (54 years old). The Groveton congregation continued to comprise people from a variety of locations. Both the Hoblitzel and Worthington sisters were originally from Baltimore, Maryland.

In the Groveton Chapel history, an entry for October 2, 1904 has “Miss Richardson came near fainting,” and the entry for October 28, 1904, indicates, “…the Sunday school was quite large but the service was not well attended. All went well except the lamps came near going out.” The problem of transportation remained acute as noted in an October 30th entry that the staff had “still no horse.” After two years of assisting Groveton, seminarian P. N. McDonald was the “Bishop” during the 1904-1905 church year with seminarian students, Robert Trapnell and Milton H. Worsham, assisting him. The Seminary students stopped regularly each Sunday evening at the Worthington home on Seminary Road for pies, cakes, and candy. On occasion, the Worthington sisters would provide entertainment of beautiful hymns. The Worthington sisters lived on Seminary Road in Falls Church, Va., near the Theological Seminary. Seminarian Mr. McDonald was greatly loved and after three years at Groveton, the congregation presented him with a beautiful black stole. Groveton Chapel was now a well-organized congregation with an active Sunday school.

In 1905, Alexandria’s Union Station opened as part of the Washington and Southern Railroad, which brought more families into the Groveton area. During the church year, William Cosby Bell preached a splendid sermon and the Groveton community felt he was an extremely promising fellow. William Cosby Bell later received the Doctor of Divinity three times, and was the Professor of History of Religion, and Philosophy and Theology of the Christian Religion at Virginia Theological Seminary. Financially, these years were difficult, but the students continued to hold sermons, conduct Sunday school, and attend to the sick. During the Easter service by seminarian Mr. Trapnell, one of the Fort Hunt soldiers that were in the congregation became ill and did not gain consciousness for several hours. Mr. Worsham and Mr. Trapnell stayed with the soldier until 2 a.m. “Squire” James Owen Kerby died at the age of 69 years in the summer of 1905. “Squire” Kerby was considered a faithful member of the congregation and a man held in high esteem by the community.

During the 1905-1906 church year, Richard Trapnell was the “Bishop” and Mr. Quin was in charge of the Sunday school. Efforts continued to raise money for paying off the indebtedness of the church. Mr. George K. Pickett, an active member of Groveton Church, had grown fond of Mr. Quin and delighted in chiding and joshing him about all of his activities at Groveton. Clinton “Mike” S. Quin was a student at the Groveton Church from 1906 to 1909.

The church year of 1906-1907 provided Mr. Middleton Stuart Barnwell the opportunity to lead the congregation along with Mr. Quin. During this time, Mr. Wallace N. Pierson joined the Groveton Mission family. The 1907-1908 church year continued with Mr. Quin as the “Bishop,” Mr. Barnwell, Mr. Edgar William Hallock from the diocese of Easton and Mr. Benjamin W. B. McKinley

On September 27, 1908, Groveton Mission opened the church year (1908-1909) with Mr. McKinley, Mr. Hallock, and Horace Dwight Martin. According to the Record Book of 1904, the seminarians noted, “Attendance was good, the people were interested, and the weather was beautiful.” It was Mr. Martin’s first trip and he suffered from tired feet. Mr. McKinley preached, and a new 400-pound bell, bought by the people of Groveton became an instrumental part of the service. “Its sound can be heard reverberating throughout the surrounding country. It is the first bell ever used in Groveton. May its chimes bring many to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” On Thursday November 5, 1908, one of the more influential members of the Groveton community, Franklin Pierce Reid (W.F.P. Reid Sr.’s father), died at 56 years of age and was laid to rest in the Ivy Hill Cemetery on King Street in Alexandria, Virginia near the Seminary. The funeral service was assisted by Rev. Mr. Meade of Pohick and Mr. McKinley.

On October 10, 1909, the Groveton Church members heard the sermon of one of their beloved Seminary students Clinton Quin, with Mr. Horace Martin as the “Bishop.” In 1910, the seminary staff of Groveton temporarily took charge of the Sunday School and service at Sharon Mission; it is unknown why and for how long. The Lenten season of 1910 brought seven of the best extemporaneous seminar preachers to Groveton.

In the 1911-1912 church year, Conrad Harrison Goodwin was the “Bishop” with George Leckonby as his assistant. There was an average church attendance with about eighteen families living in the neighborhood. One marriage was celebrated in that church year. During the 1912-1913 church year, the Rev. Samuel A. Wallis was rector of Christ Church in Groveton with Mr. Conrad Goodwin as the “Bishop.” In January 1912, J. Samuel Collard’s two sisters died, Virginia was 76 years old, and Hellen was 65 years old. The first contribution to a fund outside of the church was documented in 1913 while George Leckonby was the “Bishop”. A sum of $3.00 was given to the Alexandria Hospital. Groveton Church had three Groveton members confirmed by Bishop William Cabell Brown in the spring of 1915: Miss Rebecca Moore (the 5-year old daughter of Mrs. Mattie L. (Pickett) Kerby and stepdaughter of Arthur D. Kerby), John West, and the 56-year old Mr. Harry W. Pierson (brother of the aforementioned Susie E. Pierson). It was during this church year, foreign students from Brazil and Japan preached at Groveton. This is the first annotation found of foreign ministries to the Groveton Church. The fall of 1915 began the new church year with the “Ideal Mandolin Club” of Alexandria, Va., holding entertainment in the Groveton School House. In April 1916, the Sunday School re-opened (it had been closed for the winter months) and several new families in the neighborhood attended Groveton Chapel.

In 1917, the U.S. became engaged in World War I on April 6, and many of the Groveton men had to register for the war. During the 1916–1917 church year, the Sunday school contributed liberally to aid the starving Armenians and Syrians, to give Bibles for the soldiers in the trenches, and to send money for the children of Belgium. Christmas 1916 was celebrated with Christmas poems, singing of hymns, a large Christmas tree decorated with ornaments, and a small Christmas tree with white candles called “The Little Jesus Tree.” Children tied white envelopes containing their offering for the less fortunate children in the mountains of Virginia. Easter of 1917 included a beautiful choral service by the West End Chapel choir from St. John’s Parish. April 1917 was celebrated by planting trees in honor of Arbor Day.

On May 10, 1917, Bishop William Cabell Brown of Virginia baptized and confirmed Lillian E. Popkins at the Christ Church in Groveton. During Bishop Brown’s tenure, a major mission initiative was made to establish Church Schools.

As World War I continued through 1918, the Corps of Army Engineers paved Humphrey Road (known as Route 1) in order to utilize it for heavy equipment. The Seminary students conducted the Christmas services of 1917 that included the children’s “Little Jesus Tree” and an offering that was donated to the Armenian and Syrian relief. A service of prayer and intercession for the Nation and the Allied cause was held in accordance with the President’s proclamation for Thursday May 30, 1918 designated as Memorial Day. The Memorial Day offering was donated to the Red Cross. A picnic was held at Albert “Bert” Harrison’s home, “Huntley Place,” as the last activity of the year. Albert Harrison owned a dairy farm and lived at Huntley Place (now called Huntley Mansion built by Thomson F. Mason) which extended from Gravel Road (now called Kings Highway) to the property of Lycurgus Tavenner (Carl Tavenner’s father) which extended to what is now called Harrison Lane and Lockheed Blvd.

The 1918-1919 church year had only one seminarian, Paul Bowden. Mr. Bowden conducted services on alternating Sundays between Groveton and Fredericksburg. Offerings collected at Groveton went to the Armenian and Syrian relief, as well as, general missions. Clara B. Harrison (the first organist of the Groveton Mission) died this year. Clara’s brother, Albert, asked Gladys Wease (a neighbor) to live in their home to care for his sister Mary Curtis Harrison. The Wease family had a vegetable stand at the country market in Alexandria and their farm extended from what is now called Lockheed Blvd to Gum Springs. The Wease home stood where the Hybla Valley School now stands.

Bishop Brown of Virginia visited the Christ Church of Groveton on Monday May 26, 1919, to confirm the 20-year old Miss Dorothy Evans Richardson. The Richardson family was originally from Maryland and initially lived in Groveton area. However, by 1920 they were living in the city of Alexandria Virginia. The Richardson sisters, Helen R. and Dorothy Evans, were dedicated members of the church.

After the successful use of airplanes in World War I, aviation would soon affect the Groveton community. About 1920, Hybla Valley was designated for aviation use when an aeronautical beacon was installed. The Reid family rented some open land to Aubrey Burdette for the Burdette Flying Service to give flying lessons and rides.

Rev. Mr. Edward W. Mellecampe of Pohick Church held services on the first Sunday in the fall of the 1919-1920 church year at Groveton. Only Sunday School classes were held during the 1919-1920 church year, with the exception of Christmas and Easter services. The “Bishop” was Francis Bland Tucker and two seminarians assisted him. Messrs. Martin Davidson and Lee Ribble from the Episcopal High School helped the seminarians as teachers in the Sunday School. After graduation from high school, these young men decided to join the Seminary and became ordained priests. The Near East Fund received a donation and the church year ended with the last service on May 30, 1920 by Rev. Paul D. Bowdon (a former “Bishop” of Groveton.) Members of the Groveton congregation continued to keep the little church maintained and in the fall of October 1920, the church was painted.

Bishop Clinton Quin returned to Groveton to preach at one of the February 1922 services. “The devotion and loyalty of the Groveton people to Bishop Quin was still very much aflame, as the largest congregation of the year was present that night.” It was in 1922, that the General Assembly of Virginia changed the name of “The Turnpike” (known as Route 1) to Jefferson Davis Highway. In the fall of 1922, Groveton Chapel had the largest group of seminarians in its history, namely, eight Seminary students. Bishop William Cabell Brown made an Episcopal visitation on November 14, 1922, to confirm Mr. and Mrs. W.F.P. Reid, Sr. (both in their mid-40s), Mr. Frank S. Meade, and Mr. Hiram S. Cole. In April 1923 seminarian students, Mr. Joseph Wood and Mr. Kenneth Morris held regular “revival” meetings to arouse enthusiasm amongst the Groveton community. On May 23, 1923, Bishop Brown visited Groveton to confirm the 53-year old Mr. Albert “Bert” R. Harrison and the 78-year old Mr. J. Samuel Collard.

Kenneth Morris was the “Bishop” in the 1923 church year and organized the first vestry. The vestry members were Mr. Albert “Bert” R. Harrison (Secretary-Treasurer), Mr. Harry Pierson (Senior Warden), and Mr. W.F.P. Reid, Sr. (Junior Warden). Because the church congregation consisted of people of many denominations, the vestry was granted a special dispensation to form the Vestry from willing workers. Plans were made to repair the church and repaint it. On November 25, 1923, a memorial window was dedicated to the memory of Franklin P. Reid (W.F.P. Reid Sr.’s father, who died in 1908) and a Lectern for the Bible was dedicated in memory of Hellen and Virginia Collard (J. Samuel Collard’s sisters, who died in 1912). The December 1923 holiday season, had Mr. Wood and Mr. Morris attending the International Student Volunteer Convention in Indianapolis. They were inspired by this conference and translated their zeal into hard work and dedication for Groveton. From April 27 through May 2, 1924, a revival for the mission was held by the Rev. Frank Cox. During this year, a medical clinic was held at the Groveton Chapel by Dr. Caton and Dr. Powell to provide education to mothers on the health of their children and to provide examinations for 49 children.

A vested choir of twelve was inaugurated at the first service in the fall of 1924. Miss Helen Richardson organized it and made the vestments. Miss Mary Callahan was the soloist. At the 1924 Thanksgiving service, the people brought provisions that were later distributed by the Alexandria City Mission. The traffic on Route 1 began to increase and owing to the heavy afternoon traffic, access to Sunday School became too dangerous for the children. It was decided to change the Sunday school to 9:45 a.m. The Groveton community continued to grow and more churches were being established on Route 1 between Alexandria and Pohick. It was during this year that the Groveton Baptist mission church was founded.

It was on March 1, 1925 when the first (and possibly only) ordination service was held at the Christ Church of Groveton. The Rt. Rev. Henry St. George Tucker conducted the magnificent ceremony of Deacon Kenneth Morris in a beautifully decorated church with 129 people present. Mr. Wood was the organist and Henry Dymoke Gasson (a new seminarian student at Groveton) was Master of Ceremonies. By May 17, Mr. George K. Pickett, Mr. Van Pelt, and Mr. Parker Richardson joined the existing vestry members (Mr. Harrison, Mr. Pierson, and Mr. Reid) to increase the Vestry from three to six members. Since the three new members were not communicants, Bishop Brown suggested that they act as an advisory committee, but for all practical purposes, they were part of the regular vestry. Another friend of the church died at age 80, J. Samuel Collard was buried on March 17, 1925, at the Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria Virginia. Dr. Wallace and Rev. Mr. Kenneth Morris conducted the service. The church changed personnel again in 1925 with Mr. Morris and Mr. Wood, two long time Seminary students leaving Groveton.

Mr. Gasson continued to serve Groveton Chapel as the “Bishop” with William Lillycrop as his assistant. Mr. Gasson conducted his farewell service and went to Brazil for five years. Two Seminarian students that were twin brothers, Charles A. Sumner and Thomas Sumner, served the Groveton Chapel for three years, with Charles Sumner assigned to be in charge. It should be noted that the church of Groveton provided an opportunity for many families to be joined together through marriage. Two of George K. Pickett’s daughters were joined in marriage to two beloved and well-known Groveton families. Miss Mattie L. Pickett, a schoolteacher, married Mr. Arthur D. Kerby (James Owen Kerby’s son and a magistrate or sheriff of Fairfax County Virginia). Sallie K. Pickett married William Franklin Pierce Reid, Sr., (son of Franklin and Lillie C Reid, and a Virginia supervisor). Additionally two well-respected families were united with the marriage of Mr. Parker Richardson, member of the chapel’s Vestry, and Miss Mary Callahan, the Chapel’s soloist.

June 13, 1926, the Sacred Heart Catholic Chapel was dedicated as a mission church of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Alexandria, Virginia). This chapel had been the schoolhouse that the seminarians used for the Groveton community, which was located on Camp Humphrey Road (known as Route 1 or Jefferson Davis Highway). The schoolhouse was purchased by Mr. L.A. Popkins for the Rev. Lewis Smet of St. Mary’s Church. The remodeling of the schoolhouse allowed the chapel to accommodate up to 200 congregants. According to other sources, the schoolhouse was turned 90 degrees and moved a few yards to become the first St. Louis Church. W.F.P. Reid (Virginia Supervisor) continued the community support shown by his father and designated August 18, 1926, as Groveton Day. The local citizens held the first annual celebration and raised money to erect a community hall on the land donated by the W.F.P. Reid family.

November 28, 1926, brought the Rt. Rev. Clinton Simon Quin, D.D. Bishop of Texas, to the Groveton Mission as a guest preacher. Again, Groveton Mission had a full church. On December 13, 1926, Mr. Earl A. Alcorn (Gladys [Wease] Alcorn’s husband) transferred from the Church of Good Shepherd, Washington, D.C. The Christmas service had the church decorated and presentation of the gifts in the manger to be distributed to the community’s less fortunate children. Groveton Church supported another Seminary mission called Snowden with more than 1000 persons connected with it. This has been the only comment of the Snowden mission and any further details are not known. Rev. Mr. Phil Jensen of Maryland conducted a mission service at the Groveton Chapel. Easter was celebrated with a beautiful pageant on Sunday afternoon. The closing church service of the year was a United Mission service which was held on the first Sunday in May 1927. During all of the special services this year, Miss Mary Callahan and Miss Helen Richardson provided lovely singing with violin accompaniment by Mr. Martin Bram (Seminary student)

Bishop Clinton Simon Quin of Texas came home to Groveton again to preach in the fall of 1927. “Everyone loves him and a full church greeted him. Charles Sumner was the “Bishop” while his twin brother was selected as the “Bishop” of Sharon Chapel. When the Sumner twins left at the end of the 1927-1928 church year, the Groveton members presented Thomas with a purple stole and presented Charles with a white stole and gold cross. In 1928-1929, with the departure of the Sumner twins, Martin Bram was appointed the “Bishop” with Sherwood S. Clayton as one of the two new Seminary students. On October 14, 1928, the first Communion Service of the year was conducted by Rev. Henry Miller who was ordained to the Priesthood that morning and celebrated that evening at Groveton. Groveton provided several “firsts” for Mr. Miller. He preached his first sermon, administered his first Chalice to the Groveton congregation, and celebrated his first Communion at Groveton. Services for Good Friday and Easter 1929 were conducted by the Rev. Martin Bram, but no Sunday school services were held. Mary Curtis Harrison, a pillar of the Christ Chapel and a most ardent worker, died March 18, 1929 at age 64; she was the last sister of Albert R. “Bert” Harrison. Mrs. Jane Popkins Taylor, also a faithful member in her active days, and a patient sufferer in her closing years, passed away on April 10, 1929. In April 1929, the 25-year old Christ Chapel burned to the ground. The fire started in a woodshed adjoining the chapel about 7 a.m. on a Friday morning. The large stained glass window and the handmade Communion Table were a complete loss. It was believed that the fire was started by hoboes who had sought overnight shelter in the shed. When Mr. Bram departed in 1929, the Groveton congregation presented him with a gold cross.

Services resumed in the School House next door to the Mission property with Seminary student Sherwood S. Clayton as the “Bishop” in charge. The summer months of 1929 found the Vestry working with the members of the Church to raise money to build another church. Money came from insurance, the Bishop of the Diocese, members and friends of Groveton and the American Church Building Fund. In August 1929, W.F.P. Reid was awarded the contract for the erection of a new church, and he expected to begin work immediately. He erected a wind-driven electric light and power plant at Groveton on his farm for experimental use by the Airway Division of the Department of Commerce to generate light for the beacons on the hill used for emergency landings along the airmail routes. The plans called for an 80-foot steel tower, with a 14-foot airplane type propeller (turbine) and generator mounted at the top, along with a set of large storage batteries. While this was the first one of its kind ever erected in the east, they had been used in the west for light and power purposes on farms for the past 10 years.

By September 1929, the chapel was well on its way to completion with members of Groveton participating in the construction and the new church would be free from debt. With the stock market crash and the depression that followed, it was truly a blessing that this little church could be rebuilt during that time.

On November 24, 1929, the new mission opened its doors with Mr. Clayton preaching, assisted by Mr. Marmion and Mr. Butt. Even though the church was free and clear from debt, an annual free-will offering on one of the Sundays in November was taken for the American Church Building fund. The Groveton congregation and seminarians began planning the dedication service for the new church.

On January 12, 1930, the dedication service was held of the new Groveton Episcopal Chapel. The church was filled to its capacity and overflowing with about 147 people attending. The Bishop, Henry St. George Tucker of Virginia, consecrated the new Groveton Episcopal Chapel. The Seminary students continued supervising the services.

Memorials and gifts given included:
1. Stained window in memory of Franklin and Lillie C. Reid by W.F.P. Reid family
2. Stained window in memory of Mrs. Jane Popkins Taylor (daughter of Richard and Laura (Ayers) Popkins) by the Popkins family
3. Silver alms basin in memory of Charles Richardson (Mary, Mildred, and Parker Richardson’s brother) by the Richardson family
4. Cross on altar by Sherwood S. Clayton (seminarian)
5. Candlesticks by Miss Elsie Douglas
6. Chancel Prayer Books by Mr. H. Fairfield Butt, III (seminarian)
7. Prayer Books in Chapel by Mrs. Charles E. Furlow and Mr. William Marmion (seminarian) Charles E. Furlow (born in Georgia and a boiler inspector for Southern Railroad) and Sarah (born in Tennessee) lived in the Mt. Vernon District on Route 1.

Three memorials from another mission were given to Groveton: memorial window for the west end of the Chapel, a carved wooden altar, and a lectern for use as a pulpit. The pews in the chapel were presented by Mrs. M. Andrew.

1930 marked the 50th consecutive year of services conducted by students of the Seminary in Groveton community. A celebration to commemorate this milestone was planned by the Groveton congregation. Former Captain Frank Bloxham led the 50th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Groveton Episcopal Chapel after a weeklong preaching mission. Captain Bloxham was formerly of the Church Army of England and the U.S. The preaching mission had services beginning Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. March 30 through Friday April 4, 1930 at the Groveton Chapel. Present at the service was the Rev. Dr. Kensey J. Hammond, of Culpeper, Virginia, the only living member of the four original founders of the Groveton Mission. Dr. Hammond addressed the large congregation, giving in detail the history of the first two years of the Mission. As he spoke, he held the velvet sermon holder which had been presented to him by his Groveton Bible class when he left the Seminary. Miss Hattie Pierson had helped sew the gift 50 years before. Additionally, two other students from Dr. Hammond’s Groveton Bible class attended this celebration: Mr. Harry Pierson and Mr. Arthur D. Kerby

Mr. Clayton remained the “Bishop” in 1930 with four additional seminarians. According to this anecdote provided by two professors from the Seminary, Dr. Mollegen (referred to as “Molle”) and Dr. Heim:

On a Sunday evening, “Molle” consecrated coal oil! The event occurred when Molle came down for communion service; the ladies of the parish had forgotten to set up the altar. There was also no light and water in the sacristy and while Molle set up the chalice, etc. one of the seminarians grabbed what he thought was the water jug and rushed to the nearest service station for water. During the communion service, Molle smelled more and more kerosene and wondered where it could be coming from and if the stove was leaking. When he came to receive the now mixed wine and water, it was discovered that the jug was not ordinarily
used for water.

Mr. Clayton’s final service included presentation of a leather-traveling bag from the chapel’s congregation. Clayton would be graduating from the Theological Seminary and would be assuming charge of a church in his native state of Louisiana. William Marmion, seminarian student that assisted Mr. Clayton in 1930, was to have charge of the chapel in the following church year, assisted by William Otto.

As progress continued in Alexandria and Washington, D.C., the Groveton community also grew. Washington D.C. experienced progress similar to other major U.S. cities with the streetcar transportation boon. Pictured is what Washington D.C. looked like with its streetcar transportation (an intersection was under repair). In the mid-1920s, half of the city’s population relied mostly on the streetcar to get to work. By the early 1930s, buses were taking over some of the lines and Washingtonians were increasingly embracing the automobile. For the suburban commuter, riding buses or owning a car meant no longer having to plot where to live according to the closest line into town.

During the 1930s, Beulah Tavenner began a 40-year period of service as Treasurer of the Groveton church. Her husband, Carl Tavenner, was a vestry member and trustee of the parish. At this time, Henry St. George Tucker was still the Bishop of Virginia. Beulah and Carl Tavenner (pictured) came to Groveton from Loudoun Co., Va. and lived on Lockheed Boulevard. Sunday school was held every Sunday at 9:30
a.m. and evening prayer with sermon was held at 7:30 p.m.

Entrepreneur Henry Woodhouse from New York purchased 1500 acres from Carl Tavenner, Albert R. Harrison, Fred Wease, and other families to transform Hybla Valley into the “George Washington Air Junction” for Washington’s transatlantic commercial airport. Trucks, guns, and searchlight of the 260th Coast Artillery had arrived. Plans for transatlantic airport never materialized. This land now referred to as Huntley Meadows, remained farmland for many more years, allowing the Groveton community to continue
to thrive.

From 1931 to 1933, the seminarians continued to serve Groveton. William Marmion became the “Bishop” with William Otto assisting. About April 1932, with aviation now part of the military life, a license was granted for an airport to be built at Groveton called “Beacon Field.” The residents and traffic along Route 1 continued to increase. By 1933, William Otto was serving as the “Bishop” with no other seminarian supporting the mission.

In 1939 with World War II on the horizon, the Hybla Valley Airport was sold to the Navy to train military pilots and was listed as Naval Air Facility Hybla Valley in the 1944 U.S. Army Navy Directory of Airfields. In 1940, a group of African-American pilots incorporated the “Cloud Club” in Washington D.C. They began flying at “Beacon Field” in their own airplane, a 1939 Piper Cub Coupe, but eventually moved their club to Croom Field in Maryland. During World War II, in Alexandria, the Jones Point Park was a shipyard, and the Torpedo Factory Art Center an active torpedo factory

Christ Church in Groveton continued to grow and a much-needed Parish Hall was added to the church for Sunday school and other uses in the early 1940s. The Rev. Foxhall P. Thornton accepted a call to serve as the first full-time minister-in-charge of Christ.

Church in Groveton from 1942 to 1947:

Bishop Frederick Deane Goodwin led the Diocese into a new period of growth and expansion in this period. By 1942, Hybla Valley and Groveton had two airports, called “Hybla Valley Airport” and “Beacon Field,” respectively. The “Beacon” name actually became known in Groveton due to the 1926 beacon installed for the planes flying the mail 24 hours a day. The 1935 Washington Sectional Chart (official government aviation map) shows “BEACON” as the name of the airfield and the Reid family chose to keep the name as part of their airfield business. During World War II, an air raid beacon was set up near Collard Street intended to warn the Groveton area of an air attack. Like other members of the Groveton community, Carl and Beulah Tavenner were active members of the Army Air Forces Aircraft Warning Service as volunteers. The purpose of their service was to provide defensive alerts if the air raid alarm sounded and to watch out for air attacks from the enemy. Beacon Field was closed to commercial flying but was used by the military as a civilian pilot training program base and later for training the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP). WASP established the first women in history trained to fly American’s military aircraft.

Like many members of the Christ Church congregation, Clara B. Hino was a dedicated member, and her
husband, Thomas K. Hino, volunteered to maintain the church grounds. They were married in 1921 and owned a motel on Route 1. Later they built a tourist home next to Groveton’s Christ Chapel where they lived for several years. This photo of Mr. and Mrs. Hino was likely taken celebrating their wedding anniversary. Clara came to the United States in 1920 from her hometown in Switzerland. It is presumed that Thomas K. Hino was born in Japan.

With the war over, the Hybla Valley Airport (also known as Alexandria Airport) was reopened as a commercial airport. In 1945, Bob Ashburn started Ashburn Flying Service at the “Hybla Valley Airport.” Sadly on March 24, 1946, Albert “Bert” R. Harrison, the last of the Harrison children, died. Huntley was sold to Colonel and Mrs. Ranson G. Amlong and eventually the home was designated as a historic landmark. A Groveton landmark was created on February 15, 1947, when Benjamin F. and Hellen L. (Bishop) Griffin from North Carolina opened the Dixie Pig barbecue restaurant on the corner of Route 1 and Beacon Hill Road. Mr. E.E. Mason was the day manager and Mrs. Louis (Mary Bishop) Finks (sister of Hellen L. (Bishop) Griffin) was the night manager. The Dixie Pig restaurant featured the area’s famous pork or beef barbecue sandwiches; it was later (ca. 1996) torn down and replaced with a pharmacy. The Bishop family and the Finks family lived in the Mount Vernon district. Frances (Finks) Buckman was a nurse and a member of Groveton’s Christ Church. Louis Finks (Frances’ brother) was a Fairfax County traffic officer.

Several generations of the Reid family were instrumental in the growth of the Groveton community, Groveton Mission, Christ Chapel, and St. Mark’s Church. Franklin Pierce Reid, W.F.P. Reid, Sr., and W.F.P. Reid, Jr. contributed to the church as Vestry members. In 1950, W.F.P. Reid owned the “Hybla Valley Airport” and sold it to a developer with a lease to continue to operate the airport until 1955. After 32 years of operation, Hybla Valley’s airport was closed and homes were constructed on its land and the paved runways. To retain memory of the airport, the housing developer named streets after the aircraft manufacturers, e.g., Lockheed Blvd., Piper Lane, Convair Drive, Grumman Place, Fairchild Drive, Stinson Road and Northrop Road.

William L. Williams served Groveton’s Christ Church as a seminary student in 1952 and after graduation stayed with the church as minister-in-charge. He was ordained to the Diaconate in June 1953 and to the priesthood on January 2, 1954. Mr. Williams left Groveton in 1954, but came back to Christ Church in Groveton as a guest speaker March 25, 1954. Sadly, W.F.P. Reid, Sr., a well-known Fairfax County business leader dealing with real estate and construction, an aviation enthusiast, the founder and president of Penn Daw Volunteer Fire Department, and a dedicated member of Christ Church, died Dec 25, 1952.

With the war over, farming had declined, cornfields were disappearing, air traffic was increasing, vehicle traffic was increasing, and private homes were building on acreage once owned by the early Groveton families. The progress allowed the Groveton area to begin realizing modern conveniences and more jobs. Some of the families to build on the original Collard and Kerby land were Elliot and Frances (Finks) Buckman in 1941, Oscar Lee and Annie Lee (Carter) Perry in 1950, and Alvin and Katherine (Kilby) Brown in 1952. As of 2005, their descendents are still living in the original homes.

The parents of Frances (Finks) Buckman were Emmet Lester and Mildred (Lozano) Finks. Mildred L. Finks was a Louisiana-born public school teacher in Virginia and participated in the establishment of the St. Luke’s Church located in Ft. Hunt, Virginia. Frances decided that since she was living on Collard Street, she would attend Christ Church of Groveton on Route 1. Frances’ dedication to her church continues through her granddaughter, Jean (Carper) Bailes and her family (pictured). Shirley (Millican) Hunter, Frances’ best friend, joined the little Groveton church in the 1952/1953 timeframe. When Jean Carper was baptized, Shirley became Jean’s godmother. Ruth Elliott was a vestry member who served 30 years as a Sunday school teacher. Richard and Mary Stockstill joined the faithful Groveton congregation at Christ Church
and began a 50-year period of dedicated service.

ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH (1958 - Present):

The Rev. Holt M. Jenkins served St. Mark’s Church from 1954 to 1959. In that time, the name of the church was changed to St. Mark’s Church to avoid confusion with Christ Church in Alexandria. Bishop Frederick D. Goodwin of Virginia attended many baptisms and confirmations at the St. Mark’s Church.

Under Mr. Jenkins’ leadership, the new church building was constructed in 1958 on land that was owned by Carl and Beulah Tavenner on South Kings Highway. The Route 1 church was deconsecrated and its property sold in 1958. The 1908 bell was saved from the St. Mark’s Church on Route 1 for the new church. A well had to be sunk for the new church since the Fairfax County water authority did not run to Kings Highway. The original design of the new church building was provided by the Rev. Holt Jenkins’ father-in-law, an architect in Pennsylvania. Because of financial limitations, it was originally suggested that members bring a chair to worship so they could sit down. Just prior to consecration, however, The Falls Church (located in Falls Church, Virginia) donated its used pews to the church, which are still in use. The new St. Mark’s Church opened its doors to the anticipation of the Groveton community and surrounding area in 1958.

“Beacon Field” Airport had closed its hangar doors on September 5, 1959, and another housing development project began on Route 1. Army Chaplain Kenneth Sowers served as a part time minister from 1959 to 1961 upon the Rev. Mr. Jenkins’ departure. The Rt. Rev. Robert F. Gibson, Jr., was the sixth Bishop of Virginia, who was known for his world mission leadership. During his 1960-1974 tenure, he founded the Goodwin House in Alexandria and launched a diocesan ministry through it and other retirement communities.

The Rev. Bruce Campbell served from 1961 to 1964 in St. Mark’s Church. Through efforts of choir mothers and the choir director, St. Mark’s Church had a strong junior choir. Pictured are some of the Junior Choir members, Choir Mothers (Katherine Brown and Mamie Payne), Choir Director, and Mr. Campbell. The family of Alvin and Jo Thompson joined the church in 1962, and Jo continues to be a faithful member of the congregation.

Mr. Frederick E. and Mrs. Ethel W. Herbert (originally from New Jersey) came to Washington D.C., in 1930 and eventually joined St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Mrs. Herbert (with a background of singing on radio in Georgia, New Jersey and Alexandria) joined the church choir and played the piano for the church when needed. The faithful and dedicated families not only provided valuable resources to the church but also were instrumental to successful bazaars, Sunday school trips, and other community-oriented activities.

Upon the Rev. Mr. Campbell’s departure, Dr. Thomas Small conducted services as minister-in-charge from September 1964 to May 1965. In July 1965, Shirley Millican, one of the beloved St. Mark’s Church members, married Herbert Charles Hunter. Rev. Bruce H. Campbell returned to Alexandria Virginia to conduct the special event at the Pohick Episcopal Church. Shirley, a member of the St. Mark’s Church since the early 1950s, had her best friend, Frances (Finks) Buckman as her matron of honor, Frances’ daughter, Ann (Buckman) Carper as one of her bridesmaids and Francis Jean Carper (now Jean Bailes) as her flower girl. Shirley has remained a staunch member of St. Mark’s Church.

The Rev. Samuel J. Gouldthorpe, Jr., accepted a call to St. Mark’s Church on South Kings Highway effective from May 1, 1965 through 1970. In early 1965, an additional construction project was undertaken by the congregation: a much-needed Sacristy, the men’s vesting room, and installation of movable partitions to form adequate rooms for the Sunday School Classes. Included in the new construction was a freestanding bell tower near the street in front of the church. The bell from Christ Church was installed and the bell of St. Mark’s rang again. In 1968, a four-room trailer was given to the church by the Diocese of Virginia to help accommodate the 300 children in the Sunday School.

Bishop Robert Bruce Hall was the first Bishop of Virginia to ordain women to the priesthood (1977). During his tenure, the Diocese accepted the widespread use of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and the 1982 Hymnal.

In April 1968, St. Mark’s Day was celebrated with a bit of history, a special service by Mr. Gouldthorpe, confirmations, and a sermon conducted by the Rt. Rev. Samuel B. Chilton. The arrival of Cora Woolverton and her family provided St. Mark’s with a new choir director and organist. In May 1968, the kindly 85-year-old Thomas K. Hino was fatality hit by a car on Route 1 as he was crossing to his home. A memorial dedication was made to him in the form of a sterling silver vase for his tireless work at Groveton’s Christ Chapel. As it happened, the 75-year-old Mrs. Clara B. Hino died Sept 1969 after a long illness. Mr. Gouldthorpe conducted the services. By July 1971, St. Mark’s congregation was bidding the Gouldthorpe family a fond farewell.

The Rev. Burtis M. Dougherty was the vicar and eventual rector of St. Mark’s in the 17-year period from 1971 to October 1987. St. Mark’s congregation celebrated the arrival of the new vicar with a bounteous St. Mark’s coffee hour in October 1971. By 1971, some of the land once owned by the Mason, Pierson, Harrison, and Wease families was ceded to Fairfax County and called “Huntley Meadows.” September 1971, St. Mark’s trustees included Carl Ashton Tavenner, Russell Oscar Slayton, and W.F.P Reid, Jr. December 1971 brought members of St. Mark’s Church to the Hunter Motel (owned by Herbert Hunter) for the holiday celebration with food, dance, and fun. Under the Rev. Burtis Dougherty’s leadership, St. Mark’s was admitted to parish status by the Council of the Diocese of Virginia as a self-supporting congregation not receiving financial aid from the Diocese, in January 1977. Accession to parish status meant, among other things, that the clergy person in charge became known formally as the rector. Installation of the pulpit, lectern, clergy and bishop chairs was completed. Some of the furniture that had been donated to St. Mark’s Church by The Falls Church would now be passed on to another mission in the Diocese.

In April 1980, St. Mark’s Church was 100 years old and the church membership was at a low point. As stated by the historian at the time “The transience of our parish membership during these past years has been basically more of a challenge than a problem…there is [sic] recognized the rich and stimulating contributions of all those who are with us...What is important was not the number of people at St. Mark’s but what Christ has done, is doing, and will cause to happen that counts.” The Rev. Mr. Dougherty conducted the 100th anniversary service with the Rt. Rev. Robert B. Hall Bishop of Virginia; the Rev. Dr. John C. Davis, retired; and Mr. Stuart E. Schadt, (seminarian). Mrs. Lillian E. Popkins was 90 years old at the 100th year celebration. She had been confirmed by Bishop Brown at the Groveton Mission in 1917. Many persons made the centennial observance possible. Special thanks went to Sue Davis, Ruth Elliott, Shirley Hunter, Helen Reid, Marilyn Jenkins, and Delta Youngquist.

Many members of St. Mark’s Church were instrumental to the growth and support of the Groveton community, such as W.F.P. Reid, Jr., Beulah and Carl Tavenner, and Ruth Elliott. Ruth Elliott continued to be a Vestry member and Sunday school teacher at St. Marks Church. Other families actively supporting the Sunday school included Betz Fortney, Mary Stockstill, Barbara Clifford, Sue Davis, and Ann (Buckman) Carper. Church members continued to participate in the annual fall bazaar, by making baked goods, crafts, and, of course, the quilts. Some of the “church ladies” worked on the quilting patches at home; some put the quilt patches together at church; and some did both. Members of St. Mark’s continue in the same tradition that established the original Groveton Mission, and as noted earlier “it is not the number of people but what Christ has done, is doing, and will cause to happen that counts.

By June 1981, W.F.P. Reid, Jr., one of the dear members of St. Mark’s Church had died. Helen Reid (his wife) was unanimously voted to succeed her husband as Trustee and join Shirley (Millican) Hunter and Phil Brown in that capacity.

St. Mark’s was challenged by the Diocese of Virginia to eliminate its debt and maintain its self-supporting status. For that purpose, the back four-acre property on South Kings Highway was sold. The purchaser was a developer who built homes on the tract now served by St. Mark’s Court. An easement was given to the County for the area along St. Mark’s property and St. Mark’s Court. In 1983, St. Mark’s Church celebrated paying off its mortgage in a mortgage burning ceremony.

Pictured at the Mortgage Burning Ceremony are Beulah Tavenner, Maureen Betterton, and Phil Brown. The mortgage-burning event included the Trustees (Phil Brown, Helen Reid, and Shirley Hunter), Bishop Hall, Rev. Mr. Dougherty, and Mr. Stinson (Dean of Diocese of Virginia). Hostesses for the celebration were Helen Reid, Delta Youngquist, Shirley Hunter, Ruth Elliott, and Sally Crecraft.

During 1984, St. Mark’s Church opened its doors to San Marcos, a mission supported by the Region and the Diocese of Virginia, which was led by the Rev. Roberto Morales and later by the Rev. Thomas Mansilla (The Rev. Fred Huntington took over as Vicar to San Marcos in May 2005). This became a very successful outreach of the parish and Diocese. St. Mark’s Church shared their church with the Korean Church, as well as with San Marcos.

With the retirement of the Rev. Burtis Dougherty, the Rev. Nancy Noall, an interim rector served St. Mark’s Church. Mrs. Catherine Campbell was the lay-leader in charge of San Marcos. It was a time of challenge and refreshment, as the church recognized a renewed calling to serve the community and its members. The Rectory was sold and the proceeds invested with the Diocese of Virginia’s Investment Trust.

Throughout Bishop Peter James Lee’s tenure (began in 1985), he has emphasized linkage in the worldwide Anglican Communion, and established a college of three bishops to serve the Diocese of Virginia. These activities sparked the opportunities for St. Mark’s Church to be shared with other congregations, such as La Iglesia de San Marcos, Alexandria.

The Rev. Patrick S. Finn (pictured) was selected rector of St. Mark’s Church in 1989 and served until Oct 1995. This was a period of renewed growth, with the development of a small group ministry, an active Prayer and Praise community, and a healing ministry. In 1995, a committee of the Vestry was formed to research the physical needs of the parish in its new growth. Their recommendation was to complete Phase II of the original plan, and build a Sunday School wing. Further research showed the need to purchase more property in order to fulfill Fairfax County regulations concerning parking spaces. Peter MacKenzie began the long process of tracking down the scattered family that owned the adjacent property to the south of St. Mark’s Church and fronting on South Kings Highway. St. Mark’s members had a playground installed for the children.

After the departure of Mr. Finn, two interim rectors served St. Mark’s Church. Ted Johnson served 1995–1996 and Ann Monahan served 1996–July 1997.

The Rev. John Weatherly, the current rector, (November 2005) began service at St. Mark’s Church in July 1997. In 1998, the final heir of the property abutting St. Mark’s Church was found and the nearly one-acre parcel purchased (the money was drawn from the Diocesan Investment Trust). Cleanup started with clearing the property to remove 120 cubic yards of trash, demolishing a small house and several outbuildings, and filling in a hand-dug well. Stained glass windows were installed in the nave, replacing the fiberglass windows that had been installed in the 1980s. The many gifts that supported these new windows were recorded on a plaque presented to the parish. The window committee comprised Peter MacKenzie, Jan Drabick, Sheryl Sims, and Charita Small.

In June 1999, St. Mark’s Church was presented with a flag that had been flown over the Marine Corps War Memorial on June 7, 1999 in honor of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. A Memorial Garden was also dedicated, with two granite benches installed, given in memory of several members, and of Steve Miller, a faithful organist to the parish who died suddenly in 2000. This garden is also used for the final resting place of the cremains of members of the church, including those of Joe Riddle, Sue and Francis Davis, and Phyllis Holloway.

In February 2000, a new Vestry vision held that a new Fellowship Hall, Narthex (or lobby) and storage space should be the new focus of the campaign. A Capital Fund Campaign was started to remodel the church. St. Mark’s Church members worked with the John Gregory Construction firm of Manassas to develop an architectural drawing depicting the nave with the altar to be installed at the opposite end, beneath the new stained glass windows. A later phase of this construction would be to renovate the old fellowship hall into six new classrooms. This vision seemed to reflect a better use of building and space toward meeting the church needs.

In June 2003, ground was broken, construction began, and the first thing to go was the 30-year old 4-classroom trailer. This was dismantled and demolished by a corps of eager volunteers and neighbors. Construction continued on the new kitchen, narthex, sacristy, and restrooms. A parish crew led by Phil Brown, Earl Hughes, and Jim Bailes dismantled the old chancel area, removing the old altar, rail, pulpit, lectern, and the platform on which they stand. They then built a new altar and chancel dais below the stained glass, with storage rooms for music and worship articles at its sides. Three area Boy Scouts earned their Eagle awards in part through projects associated with the building: Andrew Caridid, who built the Rain Garden and water retention pond; Andrew Metcalf, who built an exercise area for the parish and neighborhood on the path through the woods; and Andrew Weatherly, who supervised the planting of the many new trees and shrubs around the building.

The new building was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee, Bishop of Virginia, in an evening service June 2, 2004. It was a memorable occasion with many old and new faces attending. On November 14, 2004, on his annual visit, Bishop Lee dedicated the “Memorial Tree,” an indoor wall decoration on which donors to the new building are remembered.

On April 24, 2005, St. Mark’s Church celebrated its 125th anniversary. The Rev. John Weatherly conducted the service using the same liturgy that was used 125 years ago in that schoolhouse on Richmond Highway. The liturgy was taken from the Book of Common Prayer 1789 and Holy Communion. Following the church service, the members celebrated with lunch and the sharing of memories. The Rev. Holt M. Jenkins and his wife attended the celebration, as did the Rev. Churchill Gibson.

The custom of celebrating special occasions with food continues at St. Mark’s Church. The church celebrated the 125th anniversary with a lavish lunch and an attention-grabbing anniversary cake. The St. Mark’s family enjoyed the good food, the laughter, the sharing of stories and pictures, and the camaraderie.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church continues to receive the support of seminarians from the Virginia Theological Seminary who become part of the church family. A very recent member of this special group was the Rev. Deacon Cary Stone, who left St. Mark’s on May 8, 2005, to begin his work as an Associate at the St. Mark’s Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Stone was later ordained to the priesthood.

Currently, St. Mark’s Church has an expanded and remodeled church with plans to remodel the Sunday school classes. As our history indicates, the bell that rang on that blessed September 1908 day shall continue to “…bring many to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ".


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Groveton Mission Seminary Students:

Listed by chronological order of service at Groveton Mission are some of the seminary students:

1) Kensey Johns Hammond – graduated from the Seminary in 1882 and after serving in several churches in West Virginia, Delaware and Virginia became the rector at St. Stephens in Culpeper, Virginia. One of the four founders of the Groveton Mission.
2) Andrew Johnson Willis – graduated from the Seminary in 1883 and served in several churches in Virginia and West Virginia. One of the four founders of the Groveton Mission.
3) Jacob Brittingham – graduated from the Seminary in 1881 and became the rector of St. Luke’s, Wheeling, West Virginia. One of the four founders of the Groveton Mission.
4) Mercer Patton Logan – graduated from the Seminary in 1880, ordained deacon 6/25/1880 and priest 6/24/1881 by Bishop Whittle, and became the warden of the DuBose Training School in Tennessee. One of the four founders of the Groveton Mission.
5) Carl Eckhardt Grammer – graduated from the Seminary in 1884, ordained deacon 6/27/1884 and priest 1885 by Bishop Whittle, became the rector of St. Thomas’ Church, Hancock, Maryland; rector of Epiphany Church in Cincinnati, and a professor at the Virginia Theological Seminary 1887-1898.
6) Lucien Lee Kinsolving – served Groveton Mission from 1887 to 1889, graduated from the Seminary in 1889, ordained deacon 6/28/1889 and priest 8/4/1889 by Bishop Whittle, and became the first Bishop of Southern Brazil.
7) Edwin S. Hinks – graduated from the Seminary in 1890, ordained as deacon 6/27/1890 and as priest 6/26/1891 by Bishop Whittle, and became rector at Grace Church, Elkridge Landing, Maryland.
8) The Rev. Dr. Cleland Kinloch Nelson (11/2/1839-10/25/1894) – graduated from the Seminary in 1868, ordained deacon 6/26/1868 by Bishop Johns, ordained priest 6/25/1869 by Bishop Whittle, and became a professor at the Seminary.
9) John Poyntz Tyler – served Groveton Mission 1888, graduated from the Seminary in 1888, ordained deacon 6/29/1888 and priest 6/28/1889 by Bishop Randolph, and became the Bishop of the missionary district in North Dakota. (2010-Previous St. Mark’s History erroneously listed Rt. Rev. John Poyntz Tyler as Taylor born about: 1862 died Jul 1931 Fargo, North Dakota of heart disease).
10) Robert Saunders Coupland –graduated from the Seminary in 1894, ordained deacon 6/29/1894 by Bishop Whittle, ordained priest 6/28/1895 by Bishop Randolph, and became rector of Trinity Church, New Orleans. (2010- 1911 Coupland was elected Bishop Co-adjutor of Va. – which he declined).
11) Benjamin Lucius Ancell – served Groveton Mission in 1899, graduated from the Seminary in 1899, ordained deacon 6/23/1899, ordained priest 1900 by F. R. Graves, served for many years as a missionary in China and was the principal at the Mahan School in Yangchow, China.
12) David Campbell Mayers – served Groveton Mission 1897 – 1900, graduated from the Seminary in 1900, ordained deacon 6/2/1900 by Bishop Whittle, ordained priest by Bishop Funsten, and became the rector at Johns Parish in Middleburg, Virginia.


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Christ Church of Groveton Seminary Students:

Listed by chronological order of service are some of the seminary students who served at Christ Church of Groveton:

1) P. N. McDonald – was “Bishop” at Groveton from 1904-1905.
2) Frank Whittle Hardy – graduated from the Seminary in 1904, and became the rector at Canon Christ Church in Kentucky.
3) Robert Trapnell –assistant at Groveton 1904-1905, and “Bishop” at Groveton 1905-1906.
4) James Luther Martin – “Bishop” at Groveton 1904, graduated from the Seminary in 1904, and became the rector of Holy Trinity in Cincinnati, Ohio.
5) Francis “Frank” Lee – in charge of Groveton Chapel in 1904.
6) Milton H. Worsham – assistant at Groveton 1904-1905.
7) William Cosby Bell – preached at Groveton 1904-1905.
8) Walter Williams – assistant at Groveton 1905-1906.
9) Clinton Simon Quin – assistant at Groveton 1905-1907, “Bishop” 1907-1908, graduated from the Seminary in 1908 and became the Bishop Coadjutor of Texas, Houston, Texas. He was a baseball player, gas company employee, lawyer and Episcopal minister. He earned his Doctor of Divinity and was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Texas. He was a bishop for an unprecedented 37 years.
10) Middleton Stuart Barnwell – assistant at Groveton 1905-1908, and became missionary Bishop of Idaho.
11) Wallace N. Pierson –assistant at Groveton 1906-1907, and became rector of St. Augustine’s-by-the-Sea in Santa Monica, California.
12) Benjamin W. B. McKinley – assistant at Groveton 1907-1909 and graduated from Seminary in 1909.
13) Edgar William Hallock – from diocese of Easton, assistant at Groveton 1907-1910, and graduated from Seminary in 1910.
14) Horatio Dwight Martin – from diocese of Kentucky, assistant at Groveton 1908-1909, “Bishop” at Groveton 1909-1910, and graduated from Seminary in 1911.
15) Conrad Harrison Goodwin – “Bishop” at Groveton 1911-1913, missionary to China, and became rector of St. Michael Church, Charleston, South Carolina.
16) George Barrett Leckonby – assistant at Groveton 1911-1913, “Bishop” at Groveton 1913-1914, and became rector of Ascension at Troy, New York.
17) Samuel A. Wallis – rector of Groveton Chapel in 1912 and was professor of the Virginia Theological Seminary (2010- part-time rector of Olivet Chapel from 1881-1893 and Reverend of Pohick Church).
18) Herbert Nash Tucker – assistant at Groveton 1912-1914, “Bishop” at Groveton 1914-1915, and became rector of St. Paul’s, Suffolk, Virginia.
19) Carl Williams – assistant at Groveton 1912-1913 and became missionary to Alaska.
20) Thomas Gustave Mundy – assistant at Groveton 1913-1914.
21) F. Alan Parsons – assistant at Groveton, and became rector of Ascension, Washington D.C.
22)James Rowan McAllister – assistant at Groveton 1914-1915, “Bishop” at Groveton 1915-1917, and became rector of St. John’s, Petersburg, Virginia.
23) George Washington Weikert – assistant at Groveton 1915-1916.
24) Frank Whitfield Patten –assistant at Groveton 1915-1916.
25) Paul D. Bowden – assistant at Groveton 1916-1917, “Bishop” at Groveton 1917-1919, and became rector of Hamilton Parish, Warrenton, Virginia
26) Robert A. Brown – assistant at Groveton 1916-1917, and became rector of Calvary Church, Brooklyn, New York
27) Francis Bland Tucker – (1895-1984) assistant at Groveton 1917-1918, “Bishop” at Groveton 1919-1920, and became rector of St. John’s, Georgetown, Washington, D.C. A Bible scholar, priest and hymn composer. Tucker served on the two commissions, forty-two years apart that revised hymnals of the Episcopal Church. The 1982 Episcopal Convention overwhelmingly approved the revised Hymnal which includes 17 of Tucker's contributions. Among these are the texts, "Oh, Gracious Light" (Hymns 25-26), "Father, we thee who hast planted" (Hymns 302-303), and his original text, "Our Father, by whose Name" (Hymn 587). Only John Mason Neale is credited with more items in the 1982 Hymnal. Tucker was also a theological advisor to the commission that produced the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. A collateral descendant of George Washington, Tucker's parents were Beverley Dandridge Tucker, Episcopal Bishop of Southern Virginia, and Anna Maria Washington who was one of the last children to be born at Mount Vernon. Francis Bland is the brother of Henry St. George Tucker (1874–1959), 19th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and descendant of St. George Tucker (1752–1827), lawyer, legal scholar, state and federal judge for whom the St. George Tucker House in Colonial Williamsburg is named.
28) Thomas L. Ridout – assistant at Groveton 1919-1920, and became rector of St. Andrews, Mount Holly, New Jersey
29) Thomas Mabley, Jr. – assistant at Groveton 1919-1921 and “Bishop” at Groveton from fall of 1921 to January 1922.
30) Walter C. Eastburn – assistant at Groveton from 1920-1922, “Bishop” at Groveton from January 1922 to 1923, and on April 1, 1923 became rector at church in Stevenville, Kent Island, Maryland.
31)John H. A. Baumberger – assistant at Groveton from 1920-1921 and became rector of St. Matthew’s Church, Wheeling, West Virginia.
32) George A. Trowbridge – assistant at Groveton from 1921-1923 and became rector of All Angels, New York City.
33) Stamo Spathey – assistant at Groveton from 1921-1923 and became rector of Weddell Church, Richmond, Virginia.
34) Mitchell Taylor – assistant at Groveton from 1921-1922 and became rector of St. Andrews Church, Fort Pierce, Florida
35)Joseph C. Wood – assistant at Groveton from 1922-1925 and became missionary to China.
36)James Allen – assistant at Groveton from 1922-1923 and became rector of Christ Church, Houston
37) Cornelius Trowbridge – assistant at Groveton from 1922-1923 and became rector of Grace Church, Salem, Massachusetts.
38) Frank S. Meade – assistant at Groveton from 1922-1923.
39) Kenneth Morris –assistant at Groveton from 1922-1923, “Bishop” at Groveton from 1923-1925, graduated from the Seminary in 1925, ordained at Groveton March 1, 1925, and became a missionary in Japan.
40) Henry Dymoke Gasson – assistant at Groveton 1923-1925, “Bishop” at Groveton 1925-1926, became missionary in Brazil 1926-1930, and master in St. Paul’s School, Concord, New Hampshire.
41) William Lillycrop – assistant at Groveton 1923-1926 and became rector at St. Paul’s Church, Greenville, North Carolina
42) Charles Sumner – assistant at Groveton from 1925-1927, “Bishop” at Groveton 1927-1928, graduated from Seminary 1928, and became rector of St. Stephens Mission in Houston, Texas.
43) Thomas Sumner – assistant at Groveton 1925-1927, “Bishop” at Sharon Chapel Dec 1927, and became the Assistant at Trinity Church in Galveston, Texas.
44) Durrie Hardin – assistant at Groveton and Pohick 1926-1928.
45) Martin Bram – assistant at Groveton 1926-1927, “Bishop” at Groveton 1928-1929, and became rector of St. Paul’s Church, Georgetown, Delaware.
46) George Gunn – assistant at Groveton 1927-1928 and became rector of Church of the Good Shepherd, Norfolk, Virginia.
47) Clifford Stanley – assistant at Groveton 1927-1928 and became instructor at the Virginia Theological Seminary.
48) John Butler – assistant at Groveton 1927-1928.
49) James Roe – assistant at Groveton 1928-1929.
50) Sherwood S. Clayton – assistant at Groveton 1928-1929, “Bishop” at Groveton 1930-1931, graduated from Seminary in 1930 and became the Rector Emeritus of Grace Church, New Orleans for 26 years and authored “A History of Christ Church: 1880-1930”.
51) Fairfield H. Butt, III – from Portsmouth, Virginia, assistant at Groveton from 1929-1931 and became in charge of Brandon Parish, Virginia
52) William Marmion – from diocese of Texas and assistant at Groveton from 1929-1931.
53) William L. Williams – graduate of the University of Virginia, served Groveton from 1952 to 1954, graduated from the Seminary 1953, ordained to the Diaconate in June 1953 and to the Priesthood on January 25, 1954.


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A Brief St. Mark’s Church Genealogy of Groveton families:

Using the National Genealogical Society (NGS) Quarterly numbering system, a brief modified genealogy report is provided of the Groveton families. The NGS format is a descendant-ordered format; it presents information starting with an ancestor and moving forward in time to that individual’s descendants. The NGS format is the preferred Genealogical report of the National Genealogy Society. The format dates back to 1912. The ancestral lines of the Groveton families are under research, and the information cited may be updated or corrected based on research. This appendix is presented in alphabetical order by family surname.

Bishop family was originally from North Carolina and moved to Mt. Vernon District.
1. David F. Bishop, Sr. married Alice E. L.
Children of David Bishop and Alice L. are:
i. Lora M. Bishop
ii. Hellen L. Bishop married Benjamin Franklin Griffin, Sr. (son of Samuel Franklin Griffin and Emma Palmer) from North Carolina. Mr. and Mr. B. F. Griffin were managers of the Dixie Pig restaurant.
iii. Willie E. Bishop
iv. David F. Bishop, Jr.
v. Lewis H. Bishop
vi. Mary K. Bishop married Louis L. Finks (son of Emmet Lester Finks) from Virginia. Mrs. Mary Finks was one of the managers of the Dixie Pig restaurant.

Brittingham family was originally from Northampton Co., Virginia.
1. Elijah Brittingham married Virginia S. Nottingham
Children of Elijah Bishop and Virginia Nottingham are:
i. Edward S. Brittingham
ii. Henry Brittingham
iii. Sally Brittingham
iv. Margaret Brittingham
v. Elijah Emory Brittingham
vi. Jacob “Brit” Brittingham married Sarah A. One of the founding members of Groveton Mission, graduated from Seminary in 1881 and became rector of St. Luke’s in Wheeling, West Virginia. Jacob was a 16-year-old student living in Falls Church at the Fairfax House for seminary students. By 1900, Jacob was a 47-year-old preacher in West Virginia married with children. As of 1920 in Wheeling, Ohio Co., West Virginia, Jacob was a 67-year-old Episcopal minister.

Callahan family was originally from Stafford Co., Virginia.
1. Charles H. Callahan married Mary Elizabeth Appich (daughter of James Appich and Allice R.). Charles’ father was born in Nova Scotia and came to the U.S. through Canada, but his mother was born in Virginia. Charles was a Commissioner for the Alexandria City Revenue Office. They lived in Alexandria City next door to the well-known druggist John Timberman that owned the “Timberman’s” drug store on Washington Street in Alexandria, Virginia. John E. W. Timberman was a long time friend and delivered Charles’ eulogy. Both Charles and John were members of the Masonic Lodge in Alexandria. Charles was the 81st grand mason of Masons in Virginia.
Children of Charles Callahan and Mary Appich are:
i. Jessica Callahan
ii. Aubrey Charles Callahan
iii. Mary Louise Callahan married William Parker Richardson (son of Joseph and Isabella Richardson). William was a florist and gardener in the area. Mary was the soloist at Groveton Chapel and Christ Church of Groveton.
iv. Mildred R. Callahan married Mr. Stanley.
v. Cara Virginia Callahan

Collard family was originally from Frederick Co., Maryland and moved to Mt. Vernon District.
1. Samuel Collard married Margaret.
Children of Samuel Collard and Margaret are:
i. Eliza S. Collard married Phineas Sullivan Whitney (son of Phineas Whitney and Lydia Bowes) from Shirley, Massachusetts.
ii. John Ricketts Collard married Stacia Ann Millan (daughter of James Millan and Susannah Cash) from Fairfax Co., Virginia
Children of John Ricketts Collard and Stacia Ann Millan are:
i. Mary C. Collard
ii. J. Samuel Collard never married. In 1883, was one of the first trustees of Groveton Mission. Confirmed 5/23/1923 by Bishop Brown at Christ Church of Groveton.
iii. Virginia Collard never married
iv. Hellen W. Collard never married
v. Rachael Collar

Finks family lived in Virginia.
1. Emmet Lester Finks married Mildred L. Lozano (daughter of Charles Lozano and Sallie P.). Mildred was born in Louisiana. Her father was born in Louisiana and her mother born in Alabama.
Children of Emmet Finks and Mildred Lozano are:
i. Frances S. Finks married Elliott M. Buckman (son of Samuel Buckman and Mariana Schooley) from Fairfax Co., Virginia. Frances Buckman was a strong supporter of Christ Church of Groveton and St. Mark’s Church.
ii. Louis L. Finks married Mary Bishop (daughter of David F. Bishop and Alice L.).

Harrison family was originally from New Jersey and moved to Mt. Vernon District.
1. Abiatha Harrison, a farmer, married Elizabeth.
Children of Abiatha Harrison and Elizabeth are:
i. Phebe Harrison
ii. Sarah Harrison
iii. Harriet N. Harrison
iv. Albert W. Harrison was a merchant in New Jersey and married Angeline C. They moved to Virginia.
Children of Albert W. Harrison and Angeline C. are:
i. Clara B. Harrison was the first organist of Groveton Mission.
ii. Margaret N. Harrison
iii. Mary Curtis Harrison was a pillar of Christ Church of Groveton.
iv. Albert “Bert” R. Harrison was a truck driver for farms. In 1923, Bert was one of the first members of the Vestry of Christ Church of Groveton. He was the Secretary and Treasurer. Bert was confirmed 5/23/1923 by Bishop Brown at Christ Church of Groveton.

Hoblitzel family moved to Mt. Vernon District from Baltimore Maryland.
1. James H. Hoblitzel was a merchant in Maryland who married Catherine Hoffman.
Children of James H. Hoblitzel and Catherine Hoffman are:
i. Bruce Hoblitzel married Belle Bradley and moved to Kentucky. He was a Railroad Contractor.
ii. Stella A. Hoblitzel never married. Stella was confirmed 6/19/1904 by Bishop R. A. Gibson at Christ Church of Groveton.
iii. Rose E. Hoblitzel married Mr. Downey
iv. Kate A. Hoblitzel
v. Cora L. Hoblitzel never married. Cora was confirmed 6/19/1904 by Bishop R. A. Gibson at Christ Church of Groveton.

Kerby family lived in Mt. Vernon District.
1. James Owen Kerby married Rachel B. James was born in Maryland and Rachel was born in Virginia. “Squire” Kerby supported the founding of Groveton Mission and the seminarians.
Children of James Owen Kerby and Rachel B. are:
i. Eliza W. Kerby
ii. Virginia M Kerby married M. Joseph Griffin. M. Joseph Griffin, a stonecutter, came to the U.S. from Ireland in 1866. Virginia was a zealous support of Christ Church of Groveton. She gave lamps and a large Bible to help establish the mission. M. Joseph gave the cornerstone to the building of the church.
iii. William O. Kerby
iv. Nellie May Kerby
v. Elsie Kerby
vi. Maggie Kerby
vii. Arthur D. Kerby married Mattie L. Pickett (daughter of George K. Pickett and Mary L.)
viii. Malcomb L. Kerby

Pickett family was originally from Fauquier Co., Virginia and moved to Mt. Vernon District.
1. George K. Pickett (John S.1) married Mary L. George was an active member of the Groveton community. On 5/17/1925, he became a member of the vestry of Christ Church of Groveton.
Children of George Pickett and Mary L. are:
+ 2 i. Mattie L. Pickett married Arthur D. Kerby (son of James Owen and Rachel P.).
+ 3 ii. Sallie Kerford Pickett married William Franklin Pierce Reid, Sr. (son of Franklin Reid and Lillie Barton).
iii. Annie Pickett
iv. George Edward Pickett married Janet Sneter Rowen (daughter of Thomas Rowen and Mary E.).
2. Mattie L. Pickett (George K.2, John S.1) married and divorced John Moore. Mattie L. Pickett’s second marriage was to Arthur D. Kerby.
Children of John Moore and Mattie Pickett are:
i. Rebecca L. Moore was confirmed in 1915 by Bishop Brown at Christ Church of Groveton.
ii. Mildred H. Moore
3. Sallie Kerford Pickett (George K.2, John S.1) married William Franklin Pierce Reid, Sr. (son of Franklin Reid and Lillie C. Barton)

Pierson family was originally from New Jersey and moved to Mt. Vernon District.
1. Nathan W. Pierson, a painter, married Susan E.
Children of Nathan Pierson and Susan E. are:
i. Frederick H. Pierson
ii. Emma L. Pierson
iii. Edwena W. Pierson
iv. Harriet S. Pierson
v. Henry “Harry” W. Pierson was a farmer. He was confirmed 1915 by Bishop Brown at Christ Church of Groveton. In 1923, he served as the Senior Warden of the first Vestry at Christ Church of Groveton.
vi. Susie E. Pierson was an artist, art teacher in Virginia, and worked at an orphanage in New Jersey by 1920. Susie was an ardent worker at Groveton Mission alongside Seminarian, Carl E. Grammer.

Popkins family lived in Mt. Vernon District.
1. James H. Popkins married Frances Anna Hawley.
Children of James H. Popkins and Frances Anna Hawley are:
+ 2 i. Richard Nelson Popkins married Laura Washington Ayers (daughter of Daniel Ayers and Amanda Davis).
2. Richard Nelson Popkins was a dairy farmer. The Ayers family had a dairy farm next to the Popkins dairy farm. Richard was one of the first trustees of Groveton Mission.
Children of Richard Nelson Popkins and Laura Washington Ayers are:
i. George Lewis Popkins
ii. Ludwood A. Popkins
iii. Maude Amanda Popkins married George Washington Haislip (son of John and Ann Haislip). They lived in Washington D.C.
iv. Jane H. Popkins married Myron Taylor (son of Charles and Eglantine Taylor). They lived in Washington D.C.
v. Thomas H. Popkins
vi. Ada L. Popkins
vii. Earl L. Popkins

Reid family lived in Mt. Vernon District. The Reid family has been active in the Groveton community for years.
1. William Sims Reid married Stacia V. Smith. William was a farmer and gardener.
Children of William Reid and Stacia Smith are:
i. Annie Reid
ii. William Franklin Reid
+ 2 iii. Franklin Pierce Reid was one of the first trustees of Groveton Mission.
iv. Mary K. Reid
v. Rufus James Reid
vi. Luther Gwattney Reid
2. Franklin Pierce Reid (William Sims1) was a dairy farmer and married Lillie C. Barton (daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Barton)
Children of Franklin Pierce Reid and Lillie C. Barton are:
i. Benjamin Barton Reid
+ 3. ii. William Franklin Pierce Reid, Sr.
iii. Lillie S. Reid
iv. Stacia C. Reid
v. Mary Reid
vi. Anna G. Reid
vii. Grace B. Reid
3, William Franklin Pierce Reid, Sr. (Franklin Pierce2, William Sims1) was a dairy farmer and married Sallie K. Pickett (daughter of George K. Pickett and Mary L.). Both W.F.P. and Sallie Reid were confirmed on 11/14/1922 by Bishop Brown at Christ Church of Groveton. In 1923, W.F.P. became one of the first Vestry members as Junior Warden.
Child of William Reid and Sallie Pickett is:
i. William Franklin Pierce Reid, Jr. married Helen. Both W.F.P. and Helen Reid were members of the St. Mark’s Vestry.

Richardson family originally from England (through Canada) lived in Mt. Vernon District.
1. Joseph Richardson married Isabella D. Joseph was a contractor and builder.
Children of Joseph Richardson and Isabella D are:
i. Effie Isabel Richardson
ii. Joseph H. Richardson
iii. William Parker Richardson was a florist and gardener that married Mary Louise Callahan. On 5/27/1925, Parker became a member of the Vestry of Christ Church of Groveton.
iv. Helen R. Richardson was the soloist at Christ Church of Groveton. In 1924, Helen organized and made vestments for first choir of Christ Church of Groveton.
v. Edith M. Richardson
vi. Wesley A. Richardson
vii. Dorothy Evans Richardson was confirmed 55/26/1919 by Bishop Brown at Christ Church of Groveton.
viii. Charles P. Richardson
ix. Laura V. Richardson

Tavenner family was originally from Clarke Co., Virginia.
1. Lycurgus Tavenner (son of Mahlon Thornton Tavenner and Lucy Temple Murray) married Lavenia Belle Thompson (daughter of Albert Thompson and Nancy Wiley). They had a hog farm at the end of Lockheed Blvd (next to Huntley Meadows Park and the child-care facility on Harrison Lane).
Children of Lycurgus Tavenner and Lavenia Belle Thompson are:
i. Olga Tavenner
ii. Varena Tavenner
iii. Carl Ashton Tavenner married Beulah Allene Tavenner (daughter of Eugene Murray Tavenner and Jennie Ward Beemer). They lived on Lockheed Blvd, 2nd house before Harrison Lane, next to his brother, Earl and Joanna Tavenner. Carl and Beulah Tavenner supported Christ Church of Groveton and St. Mark’s Church. They donated some of the land for the current St. Mark’s Church.
iv. Albert Earl Tavenner
v. triplets
vi. Robert Brown Tavenner
vii. Tude Tavenner
viii. Thomas Hogue Tavenner
ix. Fred Tavenner

Wease family was originally from West Virginia and moved to Mt. Vernon District.
1. Frederick J. Wease, a farmer, married Mary J. Mary J was born in Virginia.
Children of Frederick J. Wease and Mary J. are:
i. Gladys V. Wease married Earl A. Alcorn. Earl was born in Washington D.C. and was an electrician. Gladys cared for Mary Curtis Harrison at “Huntley Place”.
ii. Benjamin P. Wease
iii. Ami E. Wease
iv. Mary C. Wease married Mr. Scheeler.
v. Carl F. Wease
vi. Mark M. Wease
vii. Paul S. Wease

Worthington family moved from Baltimore, Maryland to Seminary Road in Falls Church, Virginia.
1. George Worthington was a grain merchant from Baltimore, Maryland who married Elizabeth T.
Children of George Worthington and Elizabeth T. are:
i. Elizabeth Worthington
ii. Georgia A. Worthington
iii. Mary M. Worthington provided meals and desserts to the Seminarians, and sang beautiful hymns for Christ Church of Groveton.
iv. Maria B. Worthington provided meals and desserts to the Seminarians, and sang beautiful hymns for Christ Church of Groveton.
v. Virginia Worthington provided meals and desserts to the Seminarians, and sang beautiful hymns for Christ Church of Groveton.
vi. John Y. Worthington