St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Woodbridge – Exploring Space and Mission Alignment

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in eastern Prince William County is entering a period of transition as it faces changing space needs and shifting financial realities. With the departure of a long-term tenant and an oversized campus that no longer meets its current needs, the congregation is beginning to explore a range of future options in partnership with the Diocese and surrounding properties.

Background and Location

St. Margaret’s Church is located in the eastern part of Prince William County, the sole surviving Episcopal congregation in this area following a split within the denomination in the late 2000s. It is located in a residential area of high-priced homes, away from the more traveled roadways in Woodbridge.

They are losing their Seventh Day Adventist Church tenant, which provided rental income and shared worship space. With that departure, St. Margaret will have worship and auxiliary space greater than their current needs.

Property Context and Nearby Assets

The Diocese owns other properties near St. Margaret’s. Two of these properties are developed and are currently rented to non-Episcopal churches. One of the sites has already been rezoned with a special use permit for senior housing.

Zoning and Site Considerations

The St. Margaret’s site is zoned agricultural and has substantial stormwater easement requirements, which could make redevelopment in this residential area difficult.

Status and Discernment Pathways

The congregation has new clergy leadership and will be exploring options that include:

• Finding a new tenant church

• Analyzing the possibility of a child care tenant

• Exploring with the Diocese the possibility of relocating to one of the other sites in Woodbridge that the Diocese owns

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