A smaller seventeenth-century structure stood on the site from 1683 until 1715, when the larger and more elaborate cruciform-style church replaced it. Located at the edge of Palace Green on the corner of Duke of Gloucester Street and Palace Street, the church was originally designed by colonial Governor Alexander Spotswood.

A series of restoration efforts began under Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin's direction between 1903-1907 and continued periodically until completed in 1940. In this 1935 photo of the north facade of Bruton Parish Church, the building retains the Colonial Revival window shutters installed by architect J. Stewart Barney during his 1906 renovation of the exterior, according to how be believed the church appeared in the eighteenth century. The shutters were later removed during final restoration efforts in 1939, given the availability of further research information.

Bruton Parish continues to serve an active Episcopal congregation and has functioned as a site of worship for the community since the parish was first founded in 1674.
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The caption reads: "Built in 1710. Here Washington and three other presidents worshipped. The bell in the steeple, made in England in 1761, was the first in America to proclaim civil independence. The lecturn was presented by President Roosevelt, and the Bibles by King Edward VII, and President Wilson."]]>
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One of the earliest organized activities to preserve Williamsburg's historic heritage occurred in the churchyard under the direction of the Catharine Memorial Society. In the early 1880s, a group of women led by Cynthia Beverly Tucker Coleman raised money to repair the cemetery in memory of her daughter, Catharine Brooke Coleman. This photo records the condition of the graveyard prior to any preservation efforts.]]>
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The caption reads: "Built in 1710-15. Where Washington worshipped in 1781. The parish dates back from 1632. Four presidents of the United States have worshipped within its walls, Washington, Jefferson, Monroe, and Tyler. The bell which hangs in the tower was made in England and presented to the church in 1761 and summoned the patriots together in Revolutionary times. The present brick wall enclosing the graveyard was built in 1752 and cost $1,000.00."]]>
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