Church Hill Neighborhood
 
St. John’s Church is located in the neighborhood of Church Hill. This historic area includes most of the original Richmond plat designed by Major William Mayo on land donated in 1737 by Richmond founder William Byrd II.  Church Hill overlooks modern day Shockoe Slip, Shockoe Bottom, and the James River.  As Richmond grew, factories and warehouses were built near the James. Church Hill provided housing for business owners, managers, and workers alike.  During the Civil War, many structures in the area were used as hospitals to care for the wounded.  More modest growth continued in the late 1800’s but, like many urban neighborhoods, Church Hill experienced significant decline by the 1950’s.

In 1957, the Historic Richmond Foundation (HRF) initiated the first major Church Hill renewal project.  The HRF purchased an entire city block adjacent to St. John’s and began renovating the dwellings, one of which now serves as the Parish Center for St. John’s Church.  The HRF has since been joined by other groups such as the Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods (ACORN).  These efforts have been extremely successful in Church Hill proper and have extended into adjacent neighborhoods as well. This revitalization has inspired active community organizations such as the Church Hill Association.  St. John’s hosts regular meetings for all three of these groups.
 

Despite these successes, significant challenges remain for Church Hill and adjacent neighborhoods including Union Hill and North of Broad.  Vast differences in income and education of residents exist, and these neighborhoods are not immune to the tensions that too frequently accompany the richness of racial and ethnic diversity.  Although St. John’s parishioners gather from all over Richmond, the Church as a central point in the Church Hill community must continue to serve the immediate neighborhood and intensify those efforts.
 
Modern-day Church Hill blends history with contemporary city life.  Beautifully renovated homes, some dating back to the early 1800s, display Federal, Greek Revival, Victorian, and other architectural styles.  Brick sidewalks and gas street lights invite neighbors and guests out for a stroll.  Some of Richmond’s few remaining cobblestone streets add charm, as well as a challenge for modern automobile suspensions.  Patrick Henry, Chimborazo, and Libby Hill are three of at least six parks within a mile of St. John’s Church that provide opportunities for educational and recreational activities. Belleview and Chimborazo Elementary Schools are also within a few blocks of St. John’s as is Richmond Hill, a former monastery renovated into a spiritual center for retreat.
 

Social activities are abundant on and near Church Hill.  In addition to numerous street and park festivals, the Christmas Holiday Lights Festival is a weekend-long celebration that kicks off with vespers at St. John’s.  More religious events include the Stations of the Cross, a community walk held on Good Friday.  Small shops are located throughout the neighborhood, and eateries abound with new favorites including Captain Buzzy’s Beanery and the Patrick Henry Pub & Grille joining the Hill Café, Millie’s, and other popular stand-bys.
 
While still in transition in many ways, Church Hill and the surrounding areas provide a unique setting for personal and spiritual growth and service.  St. John’s Church is fortunate and proud to have played a key role in the history of this area since 1741 and with God’s help will continue reaching out and serving all of Richmond, particularly Church Hill and the adjoining communities.