History

Rich in History, People & Spirit

It all started with a dedicated group of parishioners at the Christ Episcopal Church in Winchester, Virginia whom agreed there was a need in this area for such a community and started the necessary process. They adopted the Westminster-Canterbury method of organization, in which the sponsorship of the project is shared by both the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches.

By March 31, 1982, land for the community's campus had been generously donated by the family of Mr. & Mrs. William H. Lawrence, Jr. Their gift along with the subsequent purchases, constitute the beautiful 65-acre parcel of land on which Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury now stands. Many of the original leaders or members of their families remain active and supportive of the mission and vision of our community.

On January 2, 1987, Westminster-Canterbury of Winchester, Inc. opened its doors to residents. We are a not-for-profit, Virginia non-stock corporation, operating under the trade name of Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury.

The business and affairs of Westminster-Canterbury of Winchester, Inc. are managed by a voluntary Board of Trustees composed of 18 members. 

A Small Town Full of Famous Names

Winchester, Virginia is your classic small American town at the center of a big piece of American history. Throughout the last half of the 18th and the early 19th century, Winchester has served as a busy crossroads for our young nation. For example, the Civil War raged across this contested ground.  George Washington – in the days before greater duties called him – helped survey the land.

There are plenty of other well-known Americans who began their lives here in Winchester, including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather, Antarctic explorer Richard Byrd and singing legend Patsy Cline.

Welcome to the “Apple Capital”

Welcome to the northern Shenandoah Valley

Whether you are interested in studying the history of our country, hiking the Appalachian Trail, picking apples at a local orchard, or visiting our nation's capital, Winchester is cradled at the northern most tip of the Shenandoah Valley with easy access to each of these activities. A rural community, Winchester is located only one and a half hours from our nation's capital, Washington, DC. Our residents can embrace the ambiance of a small community with close access to metropolitan life.

Since 1924, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival has become a renowned community tradition. It is an event that each spring brings people together from all walks of life, which strengthens the bond between our community, the city and its citizens. Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury is proud to sponsor the Apple Blossom Breakfast Walk each year as a kick-off event to the festival. The Breakfast Walk is a non-competitive walk promoting the benefits of regular exercise.