Nestled in the serene countryside of Dinwiddie County, Virginia, the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Cemetery lies just south of the historic Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, founded in 1894. Located approximately 7 miles west of McKenney, Virginia, the cemetery is accessible via Route 40, 2.7 miles west of McKenney, followed by a short 0.6-mile journey along Route 650, where it rests on the north side of the road. This sacred ground, maintained by the Good Shepherd Protestant Episcopal Church, serves as a peaceful resting place for many of the area’s families, reflecting the rich history and community ties of this rural Virginia parish.

The cemetery is thoughtfully organized into squares, some delineated by low cement curbing, while others are gracefully outlined by vibrant plantings of iris and violets, adding a touch of natural beauty to the site. A distinctive white-painted plank railing encloses the cemetery, creating a sense of reverence and protection for those interred within. The adjacent Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, a well-preserved example of simplified Gothic Revival architecture, enhances the cemetery’s historical ambiance. Built in 1894 under the guidance of English carpenter Bently, the church features a frame nave-plan structure with a projecting vestibule, a rooftop bell tower, and pointed pediments over its openings, evoking the English origins of the Episcopal tradition.

The cemetery, part of the church’s handsome fenced churchyard, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the parish, founded in 1887. Its well-maintained grounds and architectural harmony with the church make it a significant historical and cultural site in Dinwiddie County. Visitors to the cemetery will find a tranquil space that honors the memory of those laid to rest, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Virginia’s countryside and the architectural charm of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.

• Transcription Errors: Handwritten or faded gravestone inscriptions may be misread or misinterpreted by transcribers.
• Source Differences: Different transcribers may have visited the cemetery at different times, potentially noting variations in inscriptions or relying on secondary sources like family records or older transcriptions.
• Gravestone Ambiguities: Some gravestones may have unclear or incomplete dates, leading to best-guess interpretations.

For genealogical research, we strongly recommend verifying the information in this index against primary sources, such as:

• Cemetery Visits: Inspect the gravestone directly to confirm inscriptions, noting that weathering or damage may affect legibility.
• Vital Records: Check birth, death, or marriage certificates from relevant state or local archives.
• Church or Family Records: Consult church registries, family Bibles, or other historical documents for corroboration.
• Other Archives: Cross-reference with records from genealogical databases, such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, FindaGrave.com or local historical societies.

The transcription links provided in the index (e.g., Transcription 1, Transcription 3, Transcription 2) direct you to the original sources where these records were documented. Where duplicate entries exist for an individual, we have consolidated them and included all relevant transcription links to provide a comprehensive view. Always verify these details before incorporating them into your genealogical reports to ensure accuracy.

If you have additional information or corrections, please contact us to help improve the accuracy of this index.