St. John's Church
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Formed in 1713 from its predecessor parishes, Hanover-with-Brunswick Parish has a long and vibrant history intertwined with that of King George County. St. John's is the mother church of Hanover-with-Brunswick Parish and was built in l843, following the relocation of the county courthouse to a more central location in the area. At the time, it was the only church in Hanover-with-Brunswick Parish. Rectors from adjoining parishes held services until l859 when the Rev. Alexander Shiras was called. Though he was from the North, he stayed with the churches after the secession. However, when the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Confederate States was organized in 1862, he felt he had to resign. The church has had an active congregation continuously since 1869.

Emmanuel Church

Emmanuel Church is located at old Port Conway, where U.S. Route 30l crosses the Rappahannock River. It is the youngest Episcopal Church in King George, built in l859 for the benefit of a fairly well populated and busy area of activity at that time. During the Civil War, the church was damaged by Federal soldiers, but not demolished. It is said that a Union soldier began to play the organ and felt so at home in the little church that he persuaded his comrades not to destroy it. After the Civil War, Friends of the Episcopal Church in the North raised funds to help war-damaged churches in the South, and Emmanuel was restored using these funds.

The fourth President of the United States, James Madison, was born at Belle Grove, his mother's family farm, located directly behind Emmanuel Church. The church was renovated in l997 and retains the charm and simplicity of its original state. Emmanuel Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Lamb's Creek Church

Lamb's Creek Church is located in an inactive parish (Brunswick) and is currently under the stewardship of Hanover-with-Brunswick Parish. Brunswick Parish was formed in l732. Its first building was known as Muddy Creek Church and was located on King's Highway (Route 3) at the present-day boundary of King George and Stafford Counties. It was a small church, probably no more than a chapel (portions of the brick foundation remain). As the population of the area shifted, it became necessary to build a larger church located more to the east. The new building was named Lamb's Creek Church and was constructed around l769. The church suffered from disuse and neglect after the Revolution. The church was refurbished and services held there regularly until St. John's Church was built at the courthouse in l843. Lamb's Creek Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Our New Beginning

For 130 years, we had been joined with St. Paul's Parish, sharing a priest and many church functions throughout the year. These included Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving services, Lenten programs, and, at times, a common Sunday School. A joint treasury was maintained to which both parishes contributed equally. Following the retirement of our long-time rector, a joint search committee was formed in l998, but it was found that two distinct congregations had evolved. The two parishes then deyoked, and Hanover parish successfully started a new life on its own.

The Rectory

All parishioners of Hanover-with-Brunswick Parish now call Woodlawn, a 18th century home built about 1752, "The Rectory". This beautiful home, situated on 50 acres in the courthouse area of King George, was restored in 1999. The Rectory, a two-story frame house with four fireplaces, boasts a wide center hall with original woodwork, large living room and dining room, three bedrooms, two full baths, rector's study, TV room, a full basement, and a full attic. There is even "a secret room" in the house. The kitchen has been updated with a new refrigerator, a dishwasher, countertop stove, wall oven, and a full laundry with washer and dryer.. The house was completely painted inside and out and a new roof was added during the restoration. A large screened porch overlooks the terraced lawns.. Beyond the house is the graveyard of the old Fitzhugh family. Surrounded by large, old, walnut trees, terraced lawns, and two original outbuildings, The Rectory has been home of the rectors of Hanover Parish for over 145 years.