Timeline

Timeline of the "Old Brick" Church

1607	Jamestown, America's first permanent English settlement was established.
1608	Captain John Smith traded for provisions during the "starving time" with the Warrasquoyacke Indians.
1608	Captain John Smith spent Christmas with the *Warrasquoyackes and sent his man Michael Sicklemore with two Indian guides to search for Sir Walter Raleigh's Lost Colony and left Samuel Collier to live with the Warrasquoyackes and learn their language.
1619	The first New World residents of * Warrasquoyacke, Captain Lawne and Ensign Washer, represented the settlement known as Lawne's Plantation at the first session of the House of Burgesses in Jamestown on the 30th day of July.
1622	One third of Virginia's settlers perished during Indian Massacre.
1623	By Order of Assembly, this parish was one of only five locations, other that Jamestown, where the General Court of the Colony was permitted to convene.
1631/1632	The Act of Assembly was enacted which required that "in all such places where churches are wanting, or decayed, the inhabitants are tyed to contribute towards the building of a church or forfeit fifty pounds if not effected before Christmas 1632".
1632	The Brick Church(Historic St. Luke's Church) was established.
1634	The Virginia colony was divided into eight shires or counties, one of which was named *Warrasquoyacke, and later renamed Isle of Wight.
1676	Bacon's Rebellion
1682	Joseph Bridger acted to suitably complete the church by installing balusters, a chancel rail, gallery stairs, family pews and columnar supports in the Jacobean style. He also employed Thomas and Charles Driver to add the third story of bell tower to church, where you can still see their initials today.
1776-1781	The Revolutionary War
1777	The Vestry of Old Brick Church was dissolved.
1781	The Old Brick Church Vestry record books buried for safety from Colonel Tarleton and British troops.
1781	Bloody Tarleton bivouacked on the grounds of Old Brick Church under a great oak which was then named the Tarleton Oak.
1785	The Church of England in American was disestablishment.
1789	The Methodist Society broke off from the congregation of the Old Brick Church and formed Benn's Methodist Episcopal Church (now Benn's United Methodist Church).
1820	The Old Brick Church was renamed St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
1832	St. Luke's congregation moved to the town of Smithfield and established Christ Episcopal Church. St. Luke's was then used as a summer chapel by the congregation.
1861-1865	The Civil War
1861	Camp Ruffin's was established at St. Luke's. Confederate soldiers winter-quartered on the grounds and used the church to stable horses.
1887-1894	Tree fell on the east wall and roof of the church. Under the direction of Rev. David Barr and involvement of the community renovations were completed and the stained glass was installed.
1950's	Supporters of St. Luke's supporters appeared on the television show "Strike It Rich" to raise money to save the church.
1953	St. Luke's was declared a national shrine.
1953	Historic St. Luke's Restoration, Inc. was established and was deeded ownership of the church from the Diocese of Southern Virginia.
1957	The church was completely restored to the seventeenth century English Gothic period. A rededication ceremony took place with dignitaries from around the country participating. Period pieces were donated to the church including the rare 1630 English Chamber organ.
1960	Historic St. Luke's Church was designated National Historic Landmark.
1966	Historic St. Luke's Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
1969	Historic St. Luke's Church was placed on the Virginia Landmark Register.
2005	Public Broadcasting Service filmed a segment at the church for the documentary "America's Houses of Worship".
2006	Christian Broadcasting Network and Regent University's filmed a portion of "First Landing, " a story about the first minister in Jamestown, Reverend Robert Hunt.
2007	The nation celebrated 400th anniversary of Jamestown. Historic St. Luke's Church celebrated its 375th anniversary.
2007	The Garden Club of Virginia designated St. Luke's as a historic garden site. The restoration project was completed and dedicated in September.

*There are 27 different spellings for the Native American tribe Warrasquoyacke
Copyright (c) 2008 Historic St. Luke's Restoration, Inc.