Fork Episcopal Church

Fork Church is situated in the midst of old trees at the fork of two rivers in western Hanover County.

Since 1735 this landmark Colonial building has sheltered a living Episcopal church. It is both a symbol of the faith which guided its founders and a witness to the ongoing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our pews are filled by people from diverse backgrounds and interests. Our common desire is to strive to do what God is calling us to do at this time in this place. At Fork, we worship together, have fun together, work together, and learn together. Serving the needs of our children and youth is just as important to us as maintaining relationships with our senior citizens. We emphasize outreach and service to our community and we seek to minister to one another within our fellowship at Fork Church. All of us are important and imperfect children of God.

Please join us for Holy Eucharist on Sundays from 10:00 to 11:00 Godly Play (Sunday School) begins at 10:00 A nursery is also available starting at 9:45 Adult Forum takes place on Sundays from 8:45 to 9:45

All are welcome.

November 2010 marks the 275th anniversary of The Fork Church. Throughout the year we will be celebrating our history. Watch out website for more information.

275 Historical Fun Facts:

Situated in Hanover county near the confluence of the North & South Anna Rivers, Fork Episcopal Church was the Parish Church of St. Martin's parish. Patrick Henry worshipped here frequently when he lived at nearby Scotchtown.

Did you know that Katherine Hepburn's grandfather served as rector for The Fork Episcopal Church? Hepburn's father, Thomas, was born in Hanover County in 1879 and spent his boyhood here, graduating from Randolph-Macon College in 1901. Thomas lived briefly in one of the cottages at old Hanover Academy on what is now Old Ridge Road while it was a private residence.

The upstairs Gallery houses both the organ and choir. The staircase and flooring leading to it are original as well as most of the wrought-iron hardware. The organ is a rare tracker organ built in Baltimore in 1855 by Henry F. Berger - a German immigrant who was 30 years old when he came to this country in 1849. With no swell or pedal stops it is typical of the organs built in the 17th and 18th centuries and is one of only two Berger organs known to have survived. It was restored by the late Cleveland Fisher in 1963. But, by the end of the 90's a decision had to be made whether to replace it with a new electric organ or have it undergo a major (and expensive) restoration. After much soul-searching, the decision was reached to go with the latter option and the Rappahannock Organ Company was selected to conduct the work. The organ was totally broken down into individual pieces and refurbished before reassembling. Even the case, which at some point in the past had been painted white, was stripped and refinished in order to bring it back to its former grand appearance. Now, all agree the final result is a magnificent instrument than can never be replaced.