The Church Series: Aquia Church, Overwharton Parish
Many of Virginia's colonial parish churches have not survived the ravages of time and war, but there are notable exceptions. One of them is Aquia Church in northern Stafford County, just off of US 1 and I 95, a piece of time whose simplicity and light bring a tranquil calm, a calm not always known in her long history. Aquia Church, Overwharton Parish was founded in 1667 when Stafford County was formed out of Westmoreland. Two buildings preceded the present one, which was constructed between 1751-57 by Mourning Richards (Architect) and William Copein (Master Mason). It is notable for its unique combination of Flemish brick bond pattern and locally quarried Aquia stone, built in a strict Greek cross design, and a tower added at a later (unknown) date. The former two characteristics can only be found elsewhere in Virginia at nearby St. Paul's, King George (also founded in 1667, but the present building was constructed about ten years later), but the tower with this plan make it