Episcopal Church of the Redeemer

On March 13, 1960, the Reverend Joseph W. Pinder and about 40 dedicated people met at the Southampton Recreation Association near Richmond, Virginia to celebrate the first service of a new Episcopal church in Chesterfield County. Six months later the congregation moved into a building at the corner of Chippenham Parkway and Huguenot Road. The first service was held on September 11, 1960. The original “temporary” A-frame building became the permanent home of the church for the next 27 years. In 1988, the widening of Chippenham Parkway resulted in the state acquiring the site of the church. Redeemer relocated to the intersection of Salisbury Road and Winterfield Road in the Salisbury subdivision. The brick and frame colonial architecture of the present building is not only in keeping with the look of the area, but it denotes the permanence of an established congregation. The Rev. Stephen P. Cowardin became Redeemer’s fourth rector in 1994. Following the move to the Salisbury neighborhood, Redeemer experienced a dramatic growth in membership, its ministries, Christian education, outreach, and fellowship programs. In addition, Redeemer Episcopal Day School was established. In October 1998, a major expansion of the facility was completed, resulting in increased space for education, meetings, fellowship, and offices. While our physical appearance and size have changed, the concept that ours is a congregation built with a sense of family, faith, love, and friendship is just as true today as it was 50 years ago.