St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, the oldest historically Black Episcopal church in the Diocese of Virginia, has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Virginia Theological Seminary’s Reparations Grant for Black Alumni Serving Historically Black Episcopal Churches. This funding supports the church’s upcoming Congregational Renewal Sabbatical, themed “Rooted in Faith, Renewed in Mission,” scheduled for May to July 2026.
The grant honors both St. Philip’s 163 years of faithful service and the leadership of the Rev. Marlene E. Forrest, a 2018 graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS). Rev. Marlene shares, “My education at VTS was transformative. The formation I received continues to guide how I serve St. Philip’s—with wisdom, empathy, and purpose.”
Founded in 1861, St. Philip’s remains deeply committed to community engagement, justice advocacy, and holistic well-being. Their outreach includes tutoring and mentoring at local schools, support through “The Village” resource initiative, and health-centered ministries such as the St. Francis Food Pantry, community garden, and Red Cross blood drives.
The sabbatical grant will enable the congregation to engage in activities focused on spiritual renewal and historical remembrance. Through visits to museums and cultural centers, interactive sessions with guest speakers and archivists, and an oral history project with the church’s “Circle of Wisdom Keepers,” parishioners will explore the roots of their identity and the legacy they carry forward.
“ROOTED IN FAITH, RENEWED IN MISSION is more than a theme,” said Rev. Marlene. “It’s a journey of reclaiming joy, honoring our sacred story, and preparing to carry our mission forward with clarity and hope.”
The congregation celebrates the opportunity for St. Philip’s to deepen its witness and legacy, and for Virginia Theological Seminary’s continued commitment to repair and renewal.