The Churchyard

"Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them."

Sacred Ground

A Place of Rest & Remembrance

The St. John's Churchyard has been a place of Christian burial since 1856. Nestled beside the church under mature oaks and magnolias, the grounds hold the remains of parishioners, clergy, and community leaders who shaped the life of this parish and this city.

The churchyard includes both traditional in-ground burial plots and a columbarium for the interment of cremated remains. A memorial garden provides a quiet space for prayer and reflection, open to all during daylight hours.

The churchyard is maintained by a dedicated committee of volunteers and overseen by the Vestry. Burial rights are available to parishioners, their families, and — at the discretion of the Rector — members of the wider community.

Visitor Information

Location

Adjacent to the church, enter from the garden gate on Elm Street

Hours

Dawn to dusk, daily. Self-guided walking maps available at the church office.

Columbarium

Indoor niches for cremated remains in the memorial cloister, added in 2010.

Inquiries

Contact the parish office at (703) 555-0142 for burial rights and arrangements.

Notable Interments

Col. James Fairfax

1789–1862

Founding vestryman and benefactor who donated the land for the original church.

Margaret Lee Hartwell

1832–1901

Pioneering educator who established the parish's first Sunday School in 1867.

The Rev. William Staunton

1820–1898

Third Rector of St. John's, who shepherded the parish through the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Dr. Charles Ellsworth

1855–1934

Parish physician for forty years and tireless advocate for the city's public health.

Learn More

For questions about burial rights, columbarium niches, or to arrange a visit, please contact the parish office.