News Summary
Rev. Jonathan Evans from St. Mary the Virgin Church in Bruton, England, will visit Williamsburg, reinforcing the connection between the two ‘Bruton’ churches. His agenda includes speaking at the Friends of Bruton Luncheon and participating in services at Bruton Parish Episcopal Church. Despite no formal partnership, informal exchanges have occurred for decades, prompting discussions on enhancing relations. This visit highlights shared heritage and community commitment amid ongoing challenges faced by religious institutions.
Williamsburg, Virginia – Rev. Jonathan Evans from St. Mary the Virgin Church in Bruton, Somerset, England, is set to visit Williamsburg this weekend, marking an important connection between the two Bruton churches. His itinerary includes speaking at the annual Friends of Bruton Luncheon at the Williamsburg Inn on Saturday and participating in three church services at Bruton Parish Episcopal Church on Sunday.
The ties between St. Mary the Virgin Church and Bruton Parish Episcopal Church run deep, both sharing the same name and a commitment to serving their communities. The Williamsburg church was established in 1674 by Sir William Berkeley and Thomas Ludwell, both of whom hailed from Bruton, England. The name “Bruton” is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as “Briuuetone,” which translates to “vigorously flowing river.”
Though there is currently no formal partnership between the two churches, informal visits and exchanges have occurred over the last 30 to 40 years. Rev. Evans has expressed interest in exploring the possibility of a closer relationship in the future. Historically, a rector from Bruton Parish visited St. Mary the Virgin Church in the 1990s, but it remains uncertain if a rector from St. Mary has ever made the journey to Williamsburg.
Rev. Evans began his career as a barrister before transitioning to priesthood after a period of self-discovery. Ordained as a deacon in 2018 and a priest in 2019, he took on the role of rector of St. Mary the Virgin Church in 2021. He is also responsible for six additional churches, a situation reflecting the financial challenges faced by the Church of England amid a decline in membership.
As he prepares for his visit, Rev. Evans has raised concerns over predictions of a “gloomy death of the church” within the next 25 years, particularly among the younger generations who are increasingly disconnected from Christianity. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the church’s ability to adapt and survive in the changing landscape of modern society.
The community surrounding St. Mary the Virgin Church dates back to the 8th century, rooted in the Saxon town that once stood in Bruton. The current structure of the church includes elements built in the 13th century, with subsequent additions made through the 18th century. This rich history emphasizes the cultural and religious significance of the church as a vital part of the Bruton community in England.
Rev. Evans’s visit to Williamsburg serves as a reaffirmation of the connections between the two Bruton churches, highlighting their shared heritage and community service. As both churches look towards the future, strengthening these ties could prove beneficial in collaboratively addressing the challenges and opportunities facing religious institutions in both England and America.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Bruton Parish to Welcome Rector
- Wikipedia: Bruton
- Williamsburg Families: Bruton Parish Book Sale
- Google Search: Bruton Parish Church
- Williamsburg Families: Bruton Parish’s Book Sale
- Google Scholar: Bruton Parish Church History
- Dignity Memorial: Reginald Beane Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bruton Parish
- WY Daily: News Briefs for June 12
- Google News: Bruton Parish Church Visit
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
