Historic St. Luke's circa 1632 celebrated the culture and history of the Nansemond people with the Nansemond/Bass 1638 Wedding Ceremony.In commemoration of the 1638 marriage of Englishman John Basse to Elizabeth (a Christian covert and daughter of Chief of the Nansemonds), the current Assistant Chief Bass of the Nansemonds (a descendent of John Basse and Elizabeth) and his wife renewed their marriage vows in period dress in our historic early 17th century church.

Historic St. Luke's Church circa 1632, hosted an original sketch called Stories of the Windows. Colonists of historical importance are memorialized in St. Luke's stained glass windows. Among historical figures depicted are Pocahontas, John Rolfe and John Smith.

World-renowned artist P. Buckley Moss painting Debuts at Historic St. Luke's!
P. Buckley Moss most noted for her unique Valley Style painting, created a stunning painting of Historic St. Luke’s, titled "Old St. Luke's. When Ms. Moss heard of Historic St. Luke’s 375 th Anniversary year and the anticipation of the next phase in historic preservation of the church, she graciously agreed to create a masterpiece of the “Old Brick” Church. “Old Brick” is the name given to this beloved structure by the early colonists and Virginians from 1632 to 1820, but it was decided to name the painting “Old St. Luke’s”, which is more recognizable to the people who cherish it today.

Historic St. Luke's Church circa 1632, celebrated it's 50th Annual Pilgrimage and 50 years of the rededication of the church. This year our guest speaker was Mr. Robert S. Fulgham, a descendant of the family who in the 1600's deeded the land on which the church stands to the Vestry.

Historic St. Luke's Church celebrated its 17th century heritage with a day full of activities. The Henricus Citie Militia joined us with "living" demonstrations on the grounds of the "Old Brick Church". The 17th century volunteer unit conducted a Court Day in the church. In the trial, the defendant was accused of missing church. Historic St. Luke's Church was one of the early colonial churches in which court was permitted to convene. Additionally, Pat Vermillion and her crew entertained us with 17th century tales and seedcakes. Author Jan Burland signed her book, The Fall Line: A Tale of Old Jamestown.

History came alive on the grounds of Historic St. Luke's Church. We celebrated our 18th-century heritage with a fun day of events for the family. Isle of Wight Militia encamped on the grounds and had children's "Musters and Drills". They demonstrated "Musket Drills and Firing", as well as interpreting the days leading up the Revolutionary War in Isle of Wight County. Tarleton's Dragoons Mounted Cavalry will marched their horses across the same grounds where"Bloody Tarleton" camped during the Revolutionary War. Renowned colonial historian and author, John T. Phillips II presented a short program on George Washington,"Dispelling Myths and Legends about George Washington." Nicki Sabino interpreted the formal dress of an 18th century woman, this award winning costume received first place in authenticity at the 1776 Yorktown Bicentennial. Isle of Wight's Militia did military demonstrations. The historical sketch "No Borrowed Glory" was presented. It is the story of Isle of Wight County's own Revolutionary hero Josiah Parker who served under George Washington. During this time the Vestry Books of the "Old Brick Church" were buried to keep them from the evil "Bloody Tarleton". Additionally there were two authors here to sign books: John T. Phillips II of George Washington's Rules of Civility and The Historian's Guide to Loudoun County, Virginia, Volume I: Colonial Laws of Virginia and County Court Orders 1757-1766 and Judy Bander of No Borrowed Glory.

We celebrated our 19th-century heritage with a fun day of events for the family.
Kids enjoyed the numerous Confederate Regiments set up in a Confederate Civil War Encampment called Camp Ruffin. They experienced muskets firing, campfires burning and life as it was during the Civil War. Famous Civil War Surgeon, Dr. Sandy Galt, who is buried on the grounds of the church was interpreted by John Pelletier. Al Burkhard was a Civil War Journalist. There was a vignette of the love story of Sally Corbell and General Pickett, written by Doris Gwaltney and performed by costumed actors Mary Jo Brooks and Collin Norman. Corbell descendent, Billie Earnest spoke on Corbell and Pickett. The Vignettes were published and released. They are called A Mirror in Time. Ms. Gwaltney and the actors were on hand to sign copies of the book.

Historic St. Luke's Church Restoration Project by the Garden Club of Virginia
Tuesday
2:00 pm

The Lord is Come-Songs of Christmas
featuring Lisa Coston and the Invencia Piano Duo
Sunday
2pm
Join us for an afternoon of music, entitled Music Through History, to benefit our beloved 1630 English Chamber Organ. It is truly an honor to host three gifted performers, renowned mezzo-soprano Lisa Relaford Coston and her accompanists, pianists Andrey Kasparov and Oksana Lutsyshyn of the Invencia Piano Duo.

Ms. Coston, a native Virginian, stays busy as a professional musician throughout the Hampton Roads community and beyond. She has appeared in numerous local venues, serving as soloist with such ensembles as the Virginia Symphony, the York River Symphony, the Virginia Beach Symphony, the Sherman Greene Chorale, the Williamsburg Choral Guild, and many others. Ms. Coston is a long-time member of the Virginia Chorale, the Commonwealth's premiere professional choral ensemble. She is also vocalist in the contemporary classical music ensemble, CREO, where she first began her associations with Andrey Kasparov and Oksana Lutsyshyn; and she appears on their newly-released compact disc recording, Hommages Musicaux. Ms. Coston is also a member of the voice faculty at Christopher Newport University.

Andrey Kasparov and Oksana Lutsyshyn of the Invencia Piano Duo also perform solo and tour the world as recitalists with orchestras and chamber musicians. They were both born in the former Soviet Union- Andrey in Baku, Azerbaijan, to a family of Armenian descent and Oksana in Sokal, Ukraine–and educated at the Moscow State Conservatory, where they met. Making their home in Norfolk, VA., Andrey serves as Associate Professor of Music at Old Dominion University, where he also directs CREO, the ODU Contemporary Music Ensemble, of which Oksana is a member.

The event is open to the public and admission is by donation.