Grace Church

Grace Church is a white brick structure featuring classical columns and symmetrical forms reflecting traditional Greek temple design. Inside, the main room contains two aisles, wooden pews, and a marble baptismal font.

The church was built in 1843 under architect Dabney Cosby's direction and remains the last surviving structure from the former settlement of Ca Ira. It stands as a monument to the community that once thrived there.

The church is maintained by the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia through at least one annual service. This continuity shows how deeply rooted the congregation remains to this place.

Walking the grounds requires comfortable shoes to navigate the area and explore the cemetery behind the building. It is best to visit on mild days, as the interior has limited seating and the surrounding landscape invites exploration.

A cemetery behind the building contains headstones from the late 1800s, including graves of veterans from Cumberland County. This quiet burial ground documents an often overlooked layer of local history.

Location: Ca Ira

Inception: 1843

Architects: Dabney Cosby

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 37.48376,-78.32916

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:43