About the Sons and Daughters

of Encouragement

Who We Are

Who We Are

We are a diverse, caring, and welcoming group of disciples who have chosen to worship together, sharing Godā€™s love for every human being; all genders, sexual orientations, and ethnic backgrounds. We love others as Jesus has loved us.

Our members come from many different backgrounds but come together as one in the body in Christ.

Our patron saint is St. Barnabas, ā€œSon of Encouragement.ā€ Barnabas was instrumental in the spread of Christianity to the Jews and Gentiles. He was always there to encourage churches and individuals who were facing difficult times. We consider ourselves the ā€œSons and Daughters of Encouragement,ā€ encouraging each other in our personal lives, in issues we face as a church, and in reaching out to help meet the needs of our community.

Please visit us to see what we are all about.

Our History

Our History

Founding and Early Years
  • January1960: A plea was made  to the Diocese of SouthernVirginia  to establish an Episcopal church in southRichmond near BroadRockRoad.
  • The first meeting took place at the ManchesterRescueSquadHouse on February21,1960.
  • The congregation initially met at HeningElementarySchool while construction began.
šŸ—ļø Establishment and Naming
  • September1960: Over threeacres of land were  purchased for the church site.
  • The  Rev.WebsterL.SimmonsJr.  was appointed to guide the new congregation.
  • The  first service was held on March5,1961.
  • The  church was named St.Barnabas,  after the firstā€‘century Levite Joseph (nicknamed Barnabas, meaning ā€œSonofEncouragementā€).
šŸ“ˆ Growth and Development
  • 1962: Trustees were elected, and additional land was bought for$18,500.
  • The Diocese approved St.Barnabas  as an organized mission, with the Rev.MatTaylor as priestā€‘inā€‘charge.
  • The present church building was completed in April1963.
šŸ™ Parish Status and Leadership
  • 1966: St.Barnabas attained parish status.
  • The Rev. John Rivers became the first  rector, serving until 1972, when he left to become Rector of St. Dunstanā€™s in Washington, D.C.
šŸ™Œ Leadership Transitions
  • Rev. Robert Hamilton became the  second rector in 1973, focusing on youth ministry before leaving in 1975 to study at DukeUniversity.
  • Rev. Charles L. Johnson succeeded him  in 1976. Under his leadership, the 1979PrayerBook was adopted, and baptized children began receiving the Eucharist. He later assisted Bishop Lewis in the Diocese of Virginia.
  • Rev. Uly H. Gooch became the fourth rector in 1982. During his tenure:
    • The parish hall was added and a bell tower erected.
    • A Memorial Garden was established for ashes of loved ones.
    • Original clear glass windows were replaced with stained glass, designed by parishioners and interpreted by Dr. Bragg and Dr. Allen.
    • Father Gooch retired in 1994.
šŸŖŸ Artistic and Structural Enhancements
  • Rev.William Queen became the fifth  rector in 1997.
  • Stained glass installations were completed by 1998.
  • The brick house on Ironā€ÆBridgeā€ÆRoad was converted into St.ā€ÆBarnabasā€ÆHouse, serving as a transitional home for homeless women and children through the Daughtersā€Æofā€ÆZelophehad ministry.
āœļø Modern Era 
Rev.ā€ÆRodneyā€ÆE.ā€ÆGordon arrived in Decemberā€Æ2002, first as priestā€‘inā€‘charge.
  • He then became the sixth rector in December2003.
āœļø Continued Leadership and Ministry
  • Rev Gordon's leadership emphasized shared ministry, encouraging collaboration among the wardens, vestry, and priest.
  • This approach marked a shift toward a more communityā€‘driven model of church governance and spiritual life.
šŸŒæ Legacy and Ongoing Mission 
    The churchā€™s history reflects a pattern of growth, adaptation, and service, from its founding in 1960 through successive rectors who expanded facilities, enhanced worship spaces, and deepened outreach.
    • Rev. Deborah T. Rankin arrived in 2022 as our Priest-In-Charge. She along with the Vestry and Parishioners continue to serve the Lord and our community by investing and growing outreach activities.
    • We hope and pray, to serve the Lord God, and to fulfill Jesus Commandments to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to Love your neighbor as yourself.

    Meet Our Team