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The first church to be built in Truro Parish was a wooden structure, which stood just south of the current building. It was completed in 1734. Until that time, the area was served by clergymen who lived near present day Quantico, and the nearest church was Occoquan Church near Lorton.

Among the very few widely separated churches in Truro Parish, this church was identified as the one "near the falls" of the Potomac River and became known as The Falls Church. One of the roads which intersected near the church led to the ferry below Little Falls. The name "Falls Church" was adopted by the community which developed around the church.

In 1762 the original wood building was judged to be "greatly in decay." The vestry (church governing body) ordered a new brick building constructed on the same property. In 1763 George Washington and George William Fairfax were appointed church wardens with the responsibility of contracting for a new building. After 1765 the seat of Truro Parish, which had been at The Falls Church, returned to the southern part of the county and The Falls Church became the seat of the new Fairfax Parish.

The brick building was designed and built by Colonel James Wren and was completed in 1769. It is the oldest church building in Virginia north of Quantico. Tradition holds that the Declaration of Independence was read to local citizens from the steps of the south door. During the Civil War The Falls Church was used as a hospital and later as a stable. After the war, the federal government paid for repairs caused by the occupation. These repairs are visible today in the brick work beneath the windows.

Text © 1996 Dianne Harrah, Drawing © 1996 Bill Harrah