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A building near 100 years old, one that’s seen a lot through the decades, was the site of history once again this month. It’s a familiar site in the community, this old Gothic-style church on North Broad Street in Kenbridge. But now, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church can hold claim to another title, as it became the first African-American Shrine in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia on Saturday, Nov. 9. 

An episcopal shrine is a sacred place within the diocese that holds both significant spiritual and historical importance. The local bishop or archbishop is the one to designate these places and they can serve as places of “pilgrimage”, where people are invited to travel to and see. And St. Luke’s does have a story to tell. Built in 1926, the church once had a lively congregation, according to members of the Lunenburg County Historical Society. However, as senior members passed away, children who grew up attending worship there chose to move, to leave for better jobs in other communities. As a result, St. Luke’s closed for a few years. 

“The building fell into disrepair, but in 2023, devoted former members raised funds for, and placed, a historic marker in front of the church,” said Historical Society President Steve Israel. “The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, the Right Reverend Susan B. Haynes, conducted the dedication of the marker. Old and young came to participate, children raised in Kenbridge, some now residing far away, attended the ceremony and brought their small children back to see the church where father or mother worshiped as a child.” 

St. Luke’s: Inspired by faith 

That dedication and loyalty inspired Bishop Haynes. She suggested that the church be rededicated as a shrine, as a former house of worship that no longer has a congregation, however is still meaningful to the community. But first, the church would need some work done. The Diocese provided funding for repairs and renovations. The Lunenburg County Historical Society also chipped in, along with other local donors. The results of that effort were seen on Nov. 9, as Bishop Haynes and other officers, both from the Diocese and local churches, conducted the service of Morning Prayer with Communion as part of the re-dedication. 

Now just because the church doesn’t have a congregation, as its officially a shrine, that doesn’t mean events can’t take place there. Take, for example, an Episcopal service for the Feast of St. Luke, which is held every year in October. That could still take place at the Kenbridge church. But the shrine is also have a purpose beyond holding events. 

The Historical Society plans to locate its library there. Turning Point Healing Transitions plans to hold exercise sessions there for senior citizens, events to help build balance and flexibility, as well as help fight arthritis. Residents have also suggested holding everything from lectures to small group meetings, musical performances and sing-alongs at the shrine. 

One thing that is guaranteed to take place at the church is the annual Holiday Heritage Tour, held each year by the Historical Society. That will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The focus will be on both St. Luke’s history and the church’s connection to early community education. The church is located at 409 N. Broad Street in Kenbridge.