In the beginning ...
The idea for a new Episcopal Church in Goochland was born after a diocesan study of eastern Goochland/western Henrico revealed a population sufficient for a new church in the area. In 2000, the Diocese of Virginia accepted a ten-acre land donation on Hockett Road for this church, and in 2001, the Rev. April Greenwood was appointed part-time missioner to a small congregation called St. Francis.
During 2001, St. Francis conducted an Alpha program as well as a Disciples of Christ in Community Program to minister to the inmates at the Goochland Women's Prison. An official logo designed by Tony Anthony was adopted. In addition, a leadership team formed and began interviewing for a new priest. In August of 2002, the Rev. Dr. James Hubbard joined St. Francis as its first vicar. The congregation continued to meet in homes, various Goochland firehouses, and in other churches. After Father Hubbard's departure, St. Francis extended a call to the Rev. Dr. Richard Zalesak who began serving as vicar in June, 2003.
Under Rev. Zalesak's leadership, St. Francis held numerous preview services around Goochland County followed by regular services at Goochland firehouses. Finally, St. Francis settled into weekly worship at Randolph Elementary School. In January of 2009, Rev. Zalesak accepted a call from St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Tennessee, and in March, the Rev. David Niemeyer came to St. Francis as part-time priest.
Under his guidance, in early 2010 planning began on renovating the house on the donated property on Hockett Road into a multi-purpose parish hall / worship space. Bids were received in early summer and construction began in late August. Work was completed in early December culminating in the initial worship service in the new building on December 5, 2010.
In May of 2012, Rev. Niemeyer accepted a call from another Richmond parish, St. Mark's Episcopal Church and the St. Francis Vestry began the discernment process for locating a new Vicar.
In February of 2013, the Vicar Search Committee recommended Rev. John Maher as the new Vicar for St. Francis. Subsequently, the Vestry approved this selection and the Diocese issued a call to Rev. Maher, which he accepted. He began as St. Francis' new Vicar on April 1, 2013.
