Our Vision
We, the congregation of Holy Cross, will grow as a Christ-centered, warm and welcoming community, accepting of all, expressing God’s love in the world through our worship and ministries, with particular emphasis on learning how to live by God’s Word.
History of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross
In 1966 The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia bought close to four acres of farmland in Dunn Loring, Virginia. Thirteen years later, in 1979, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church established Holy Cross as a mission, congregation, and fifteen people held the first service in the foyer of the Dunn Loring Elementary School. The Rev. Berry Parsons, Vicar, presided.
The congregation moved in 1983 to the YWCA on Gallows Road, and in the year following, dedicated its efforts to planning and financing the first phase of a building to house the growing community. The building was raised in the summer of 1984, and the first service held the following September. As the congregation continued to grow, “Phase II” became basement classrooms for children’s education, and the gathering area known as “The Upper Room.” This was completed in 1987.
By 1989, Holy Cross’ membership, programs and finances had developed enough to be declared a self- sustaining member of the Diocese. By 1999, Holy Cross had grown to more than 200 households and had begun Phase III – a new sanctuary. In November of 2001, the Rt. Rev. David C. Jones, Suffragan Bishop of Virginia presided over the dedication of the new sanctuary.