Grace Episcopal Church

Grace Episcopal Church in Yorktown, Virginia, is a beautiful and historic landmark that offers a powerful sense of reverence and reflection, even when its doors are closed. Originally established in the 1600s and rebuilt after the Revolutionary War, the current church structure dates back to the early 1800s and stands as a testament to centuries of faith, resilience, and community. With its striking brick architecture and quiet surroundings, the church immediately captures your attention as you approach. During our visit, the building itself was unfortunately closed to the public, so we weren’t able to explore the interior. Still, the peaceful atmosphere of the grounds and the church’s historical presence made the stop well worth it. We were able to walk through the burial grounds surrounding the church, which are rich with history and lined with centuries-old gravestones that tell the stories of Yorktown’s past generations, including soldiers, prominent citizens, and early settlers. The cemetery is well-maintained and evokes a quiet solemnity, shaded by mature trees and filled with weathered stones, some dating back to the 1700s. It’s a reflective place where history feels very present. Walking among the graves, you can’t help but feel a connection to the generations who lived, fought, and died in this historic town. The burial grounds alone make the site a meaningful stop for anyone interested in local or early American history. The church is known in local lore for reported paranormal activity, including ghostly sightings and unexplained sounds. While we didn’t experience anything firsthand, the atmosphere—especially near dusk—carries a weight that fuels the imagination. The blend of sacred space and historical tragedy lingers in the air, making it a compelling place for both history lovers and those interested in the supernatural. Overall, even without access to the interior, Grace Episcopal Church offers a powerful experience. The burial grounds, architectural beauty, and deep sense of history make it a must-visit when exploring Yorktown. We hope to return one day when the church is open to take in the full story of this remarkable site.

We just loved the architecture and history of the Grace Episcopal Church of Yorktown. Unfortunately it was not open the day we visited but the number of historic markers and signs on the grounds painted a rich history. The cemetery at the site is impeccably maintained and there are a who’s who of the City’s people interred there. I hope to see the inside on my next visit.

I stayed here on my last night of the Transamerica bicycle route. The Adventure Cycling maps have details to contact John, the pastor. The accommodations are incredible. I’m very thankful they open their doors to cyclists.

I recently returned to this area after being out of state for many years. Grace Church is the home of my Soul. It's very quiet, peaceful, and centering. I came Good Friday to walk the Labrynth and light a candle in the memory of those whom I've loved, who've passed in April. I left feeling loved, whole, and embraced by Grace. Beautiful experience!

The church was closed when we arrived, but it looked nice from the outside, and the grounds were well-maintained. Took a photo of the grave of Declaration of Independence signer Thomas Nelson, which was the purpose of our visit. We will definitely stop by in the future if we happen to be in the area in order to see the inside of the church.