History of Saint Aidan's Saint and Church

The History of our Parish in Virginia Beach

The congregation of St. Aidan’s was established as a Diocesan-Parochial Mission in the summer of 1963, with Eastern Shore Chapel in Virginia Beach co-sponsoring parish. The Rev. L. J. “Jay” Taylor, Jr. was appointed priest-in-charge and later became St. Aidan’s first rector. He began his ministry in June 1963. With approximately 68 families, the first Holy Eucharist was celebrated on August 18, 1963, in a local elementary school with 110 in attendance. In February 1964, St. Aidan’s, now an organized mission, was granted a portable chapel. The first service held in the new building was Christmas Day, 1964.

In 1968, as our parish was growing and maturing, the Reverend Robert B. Newland was called as our second rector. In response to the growth, the parish added a 4,000 square feet wing to house church classrooms and offices, as well as the Head Start office and classrooms which made us the first church in Hampton Roads to sponsor a Head Start program.

The Reverend Paul “Peter” Hogg, Jr. was called as the third rector of St. Aidan’s in 1979. In 1983, as the parish continued to grow in members and ministries, the vestry recognized the need for expansion and renovation. The first two phases of the project saw the construction of a new parish hall and redesign of the single wing. Many improvements were made to the property including the beautification of the interior of the nave and sanctuary.

In response to the growth of the 1980s, additional building, took place which included a large, multi-purpose hospitality room and a new chapel. The multi-functional space was needed for adult Sunday school, EFM classes, receptions, community meetings, and gatherings for weddings and funerals. A new chapel was also added, and is used for small worship groups, Holy Eucharist during the day and centering prayer one evening each week. It is a haven for those seeking a quiet time or a place for meditation.

In 1992, St. Aidan’s nave was graced by the installation and dedication of 13 stained glass windows designed for contemplation and meditation. Seven of these works of art represent major biblical motifs, and six depict the emergence of the Church. These masterworks of art offer intrinsic, highly stylized theological symbols as well as simplistic pictorial representations. The “14th” window, the last at the rear of nave, is the only window that allows us to look out into the world, as we, the Body of Christ, leave the nave.

In 1994, the St. Aidan’s Needlework Guild initiated a project to complete eight needlepoint kneelers to accommodate the 16 feet of rail where parishioners kneel to receive the elements of Holy Eucharist. Like the stained-glass windows, each is a piece of art giving testimony to the devotion and diligence of the guild, which toiled for three years in the undertaking. Each cushion features a different cross medallion at its center.

Also, in 1999, St. Aidan’s provided a free land lease enabling Seton Youth Shelters to erect a structure which provides emergency shelter and counseling for girls, ages 9 to 17, who are in crisis.

The Reverend Mark Wilkinson, fourth rector of St. Aidan’s, was called in 2007. Several years later, a local Boy Scout whose troop meets at St. Aidan’s, designed and landscaped an outdoor labyrinth on our property for his Eagle Scout project. He was assisted by parish members and the labyrinth is used by the community and members alike. In a continuing effort to maintain the infrastructure of our church the Vestry tasked the Property and Grounds Committee to develop a five-year plan for our future. The plan, which became known as Preserving Our Heritage, was launched in 2016. This promising endeavor is ongoing as of this writing.

In November 2020, The Rev. Julia W. Messer accepted the call to be our fifth Rector. During Covid-19 she guided us in protocols, and once we reopened, we saw a growth in our membership, new ministries, and social activities. Rev. Julia's hope for our parish is to continue to maintain our inclusive spirit, where everyone feels valued and connected. Our parish is where we meet to deepen our spiritual lives through worship, meaningful outreach, and a strong fellowship.

St. Aidan’s history and growth are a testament to devotion, generosity and continuing love for Christ and His church. It began with humble origins, and, through the grace of Our Lord, has become what it is today!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne (c. 590–651) was an Irish monk and missionary renowned for his role in reintroducing Christianity to Northumbria in England. He was a member of the monastic community on the island of Iona, founded by St. Columba, and was deeply influenced by his Irish Christian heritage.

Aidan's missionary work began when he was appointed bishop of Lindisfarne in 635, following the failure of a previous missionary. He established Lindisfarne Priory as his base and dedicated himself to converting the Anglo-Saxons through patient and humble outreach. Aidan walked from village to village, spreading the Christian faith and establishing churches, monasteries, and schools. He was noted for his deep piety, charitable acts, and efforts to integrate Christianity into the local culture.

Aidan worked closely with King Oswald of Northumbria, who was instrumental in supporting his mission. After Oswald's death, Aidan continued his work with the support of King Oswine of Deira. His efforts were characterized by a blend of pastoral care and active evangelism, including rescuing and educating orphans and ransoming slaves.

Aidan's ministry faced challenges from pagan hostilities, notably from the Mercian king Penda, whose attacks threatened Northumbria. Despite these difficulties, Aidan's influence remained strong until his death in 651. He was buried at Lindisfarne, where his tomb became a site of veneration.

Saint Aidan is celebrated for his significant contributions to the spread of Christianity in Northern England and is honored as a saint in multiple Christian traditions, including the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Anglican Communion, and others. His feast day is observed on August 31 and is the Patron Saint of Firefighters.

We also like that he is the unofficial saint of walking ministry, as well as being evangelical by just meeting people where they are at in life.