About Us

Jolliff United Methodist Church is a community of faith rooted in the love of God. We believe worship is not just found in prayer, it’s something expressed in everything we do. Our philosophy is deeply rooted in the Holy Scriptures, life’s only guidebook. Come and join us to experience God’s grace for yourself. There’s a special place for you at our welcoming Chesapeake church.

Our History

Jolliff United Methodist Church

c. 1798

Jolliff UMC cherishes our history as a continuous Methodist community of faith at this location since 1723 but we greatly look forward to the things that we can do for Christ and for our community in the present and the future.

Jolliff United Methodist Church is located on Jolliff Road in the Western Branch section of Chesapeake. The Jolliff Society, which later became known as "Jolliffs Meeting House," was formed by Robert Williams who came to Norfolk in 1772 to become pastor of the Portsmouth Methodist Society. It is probable that a cabin stood on the site as early as 1798.

Bishop Francis Asbury mentioned Jolliff Church in his journal on February 11, 1805. His notes said he spoke at the chapel "on an appropriate test from Isaiah the 59th Chapter, the house is not nearly large enough."

The present structure was constructed around 1850 and subsequently remodeled in 1926. A balcony was removed and two side doors were replaced by windows. One Large door was then placed in the center.

Eagler, J.-M., Jones, A. L., Riley, M. M., Sawyer, E. W., & White, H. D. (1989). Chesapeake Historic Structures. Chesapeake; Norfolk County Historical Society.

Celebrations

Jolliff UMC 250th Anniversary

Jolliff United Methodist Church celebrated its 250th anniversary with a worship service on April 30, 2023.