Our History

Emmanuel Episcopal Church was established January 26, 1862, in the hamlet of Goodson, (later known as Bristol), Virginia, by sixteen determined men and women, only nine of whom were communicants. A brick structure owned by the Masonic fraternity and known as the Academy Building was secured rent-free; but as the Civil War was raging, its use was short-lived due to its being needed as a military hospital.

A nearby Baptist church allowed parishioners to use its building for a 9:00 a.m. service, with the proviso that it be cleared for the Baptists to meet two hours later! This meeting place was used until February, 1869, when a frame structure on the corner of Moore and Cumberland Streets was completed. The edifice was consecrated in October, 1872, by the The Right Reverend John Johns.

In 1919 the building was sold, and a house and lot on the corner of James and Cumberland Streets were purchased. Plans for a new church of native gray limestone in the Gothic style, modeled after the 13th-century Church of St. James the Less in Sulgrave, England, were approved and construction was begun. During the interim the congregation met at the YMCA. The present building formally opened for services on June 5, 1921, and was consecrated by Bishop Robert Carter Jett in January, 1926.

The decades since the completion of the present building have seen many changes. The nave and sanctuary have been enriched by the addition of vibrant stained-glass windows and over 100 hand-crafted needlepoint kneelers at the Communion rail and pews.

As the need arose for more space to accommodate the increasing physical needs of the parish, the rectory was demolished and an adjacent lot was purchased. Soon a two-story parish house adjoining the church was ready for occupancy. Dedicated in 1960, it contains a large assembly hall, spacious kitchen, and several Sunday School rooms on the upper floor. The Bledsoe Chapel, created and named in memory of a former rector, Parish offices, nursery, boiler room, and additional Sunday School rooms are to be found below. A lift provides accessibility to all level of the building. The St. Francis Courtyard, which houses a garden and the parish’s columbarium, was created within the confines of the church yard and parish house.

Recently the parish acquired property across the street on the east side of the building. The house which had stood there was demolished to make way for a green space and additional parking. Planning is currently underway to construct a labyrinth in that green area.

Emmanuel no longer provides a rectory for its clergy. Various rectories have been owned by the parish, but it was deemed a better plan to assist the rector with a housing allowance provided in the salary package.

Parishioners at Emmanuel have modernized the church building over the years, enhancing its beauty as well as increasing its usefulness. In doing so, however, they have not neglected carrying out God’s work, thus making the parish known throughout the area as the “church with the red doors”, a testimony to its hospitable and caring nature. The parish’s many-faceted outreach proves the preceding sentiment.

The monthly Social Club was begun many years ago by a parishioner whose aim was to provide an evening featuring a home-cooked meal and entertainment for persons cut loose from state-provided psychiatric care. Guests now include persons with mental, physical, social, and/or economical handicaps. Additionally those who are lonely, sad, depressed, dealing with drug abuse, are in rehab or have finished rehab are welcome. They experience an enjoyable night out in a friendly, caring setting. Following the meal, guests eagerly look forward to the Bingo games and the prizes that can be won!

Parishioners participate in a city-wide Meals-on-Wheels program once a month. Hot, church kitchen-prepared meals are delivered once a month to between forty and fifty qualifying persons throughout both cities.

Another local entity in which the parish participates is Faith in Action (FIA), a city-wide program in which sixty-four churches pool their resources and fulfill a common purpose: love thy neighbor. FIA provides a place to which those in need of emergency funds can turn for aid in paying rent, utility bills, purchasing food, etc., rather than going from church to church at the critical time. The former rector was instrumental in starting this much needed and useful program.

Not only does the parish’s building provide space for the many outreach programs, but its doors are opened wide to community-wide groups. Alcoholics Anonymous and Weight Watchers which meet there on a weekly basis are two which have benefited from the parish’s outreach.

Beginning in 1990, The Literacy Academy of Bristol (LAB), brainchild of a city resident, was housed in the church’s undercroft. The founding premise of the LAB was to provide preparation for those desiring to earn a General Equivalency Degree (GED). Tutoring in reading and other basic skills required for the GED were offered to them and to other adults seeking employment or a position upgrade. Later, training in computerskills was added to the LAB’s curriculum.

When the new Bristol Public Library opened in 2004, the LAB, now a United Way agency, moved to that site. During the almost 15 years that the LAB was at Emmanuel, the parish charged no rent, considering it part of its mission to the city.

Without a doubt the pride of Emmanuel’s outreach is the annual Christmas-day dinner, its signature gift to the community of Bristol. The event was begun in the early 1980’s when a parishioner suggested the idea to the rector. With that parishioner’s financial backing, began a holiday tradition for so many grateful recipients.

A sumptuous holiday meal with all the trimmings and served by parishioners is laid on for all who want to come. Guests enter the nave and are greeted by parishioners while carols resound from the organ. They are escorted to the parish hall, take their seats, and enjoy the meal. Decorations, candlelight, and the singing of Christmas carols with piano accompaniment add to the festive mood.

Upon their departure guests receive candy, fruit, and a Christmas ornament. As many as five hundred people have been served at this affair for which no reservations are needed. Transportation is provided for those who need it. Parishioners delight in talking to the guests, so many of whom relate that they have come for years since it has become an important part of their Christmas. That sentiment is the parishioners’ reward.

The parish’s Memorials Committee changed its focus a few years ago when it ceased to buy items for the church with the monetary gifts it was receiving. Instead the moneys are given to various worthy agencies or causes in the Bristol community. In addition the Rector’s Discretionary Fund, Meals-on-Wheels, and Social Club receive support.

Thirty-seven rectors have served Emmanuel Episcopal Church since its inception in 1862. There has been much growth and many changes. However, one constant has remained steadfast – the parish’s continuance in the loyalty and faithfulness of its ancestors’ example in serving the cause of Christ.