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 God’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, “Son of Encouragement.” 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 “Sons and Daughters of Encouragement,” 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

Founding and Early Years
  • January 1960: A plea was made to the Diocese of Southern Virginia
      to establish an Episcopal church in south Richmond near Broad Rock Road.
  • The first meeting took place at the Manchester Rescue Squad House on February 21, 1960.
  • The congregation initially met at Hening Elementary School while construction began.
🏗️ Establishment and Naming September 1960: Over three acres of land were purchased for the church site.
  • The Rev. Webster L. Simmons Jr. was appointed to guide the new congregation and the first service was held on March 5, 1961.
  • The church was named St. Barnabas, after the first‑century Levite Joseph (nicknamed Barnabas, meaning “Son of Encouragement”).
📈 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. Mat Taylor as priest‑in‑charge.
  • The present church building was completed in April 1963.
🙏 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. Dunstan’s in Washington, D.C.
🙌 Leadership Transitions
  • Rev. Robert Hamilton became the  second rector in 1973, focusing on youth ministry before leaving in 1975 to study at Duke University.
  • Rev. Charles L. Johnson succeeded him in 1976. Under his leadership, the 1979 Prayer Book 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; and 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.
🪟 Artistic and Structural Enhancements
  • Rev. William Queen became the fifth rector in 1997.
    • Stained glass installations were completed by 1998.
    • The brick house on Iron Bridge Road was converted into St. Barnabas House, serving as a transitional home for homeless women and children through the Daughters of Zelophehad ministry.
    • Father Queen resigned in 2002 to join All Saints Parish in Richmond.
    • Rev. Rodney E. Gordon arrived in December2002, first as priest‑in‑charge, then as the sixth rector in December2003.
    • His ministry emphasized shared leadership among the wardens, vestry, and priest.

✝️ Modern Era 

The shared leadership approach emphasized shared ministry, encouraging collaboration among the wardens, vestry, and priest. This approach marked a shift toward a more community‑driven model of church governance and spiritual life.

✝️ Continued Leadership, Ministry, and Ongoing Mission

Rev. Deborah T. Rankin became Priest-In-Charge in 2022 and she has enhanced the community driven approach with focus on Worship, Outreach, and Shepherding. We strive to fulfill Jesus Commandments to Love the Lord God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds; and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The Church is reaching out to the community to help provide needs, healing, and nourishment.

    Meet Our Team