Elk Run Church Historic Site – Past, Present and Future
Great strides have been made at Elk Run! In 1999, we embarked on an archaeological quest to discover, and then uncover, the foundation and remains of the 1750s Anglican Church at Elk Run – the first such church in Fauquier County, Virginia. A total of 129 volunteers provided over 5,803 hours of service between 1999 and 2006. See Archaeology Report.
Conversion of the archaeological site to a Historical Church Park started in November 2006. The construction of a Mini-Museum over an excavated segment of the old Church foundation was completed in August 2010. A Dedication Ceremony for the new Mini-Museum building was held on November 14, 2010, and a short church service was held within the outline of the old Church foundation for the first time in over 200 years. About 1,631 volunteer hours of service was provided from late 2006 until the end of 2010 to complete the construction of the Museum and related supporting activities. See Detailed Report on The Establishment and Evolution of the Elk Run Museum.
The Museum’s goal is to depict the history of the area (Native Americans and settlers), the Church and its first Minister, Rev. James Keith, grandfather of Chief Justice John Marshall. The Mini-Museum depicts the seven year archaeological effort, and its conversion to a Historic Church Park. The Park’s three exterior Interpretive Signs cover the early Elk Run Village, the re-discovery of the Church Site and adjacent Cemetery.
The Elk Run Church Cemetery had changed owners over the years but on November 20, 2011, William C. Patton, Jacqueline E. Patton and Christina A. Patton graciously donated the property to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church so that it could become part of the Elk Run Historic Church Park and held in perpetuity. The acquisition of this approximate 100 ft. by 100 ft. Cemetery property adds to the historical significance of the Elk Run Church Site. Another key objective for 2011 was the preparation of a new Cemetery Interpretative Sign summarizing its discovery which was also unveiled on 20 November.
In 2012, used glass display cases were obtained for the Museum. They were modified, painted and artifacts and photos placed within them.
In 2015, a new corner artifact case was built to display some Manahoac Indian artifacts along with period Indian pictures and map.
In 2016, we installed our last exterior Archaeological Interpretative Sign that describes the “Discovery of the Elk Run Anglican Church Site” and the work accomplished there. Also, we received a donation of a new Museum wall panel from the Germanna Foundation showing the relationship of Germantown to the Elk Run Church.
In 2017, two new corner display cases were built: one beneath the Germantown Wall Panel and one beneath the newly framed Chief Justice John Marshall Wall Panel.
In 2018, a Museum wall display of 18th and 19th Century Houses in the Elk Run vicinity was displayed.
On July 1, 2019, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church leased the Elk Run Anglican Church Historical Site and Museum to Fauquier County’s Parks and Recreation Department to make the Site more frequently accessible to County residents and tourists.