Pilgrim's Progress

Jack R. Johnson 12.2025

“No Two Persons”

Fran Withrow 12.2025

 

The Rev. Herbert Jones: God’s Beloved Child

Central to the message of all major world religions is a call for compassion and peace, and, above all else, love. This is not true of the bastardized versions of these belief systems that flat out reject the basic principles clearly laid out in sacred texts. Those who so distort these foundations often do so to create discord, and use religion as a means to enrich themselves and gain political power. That is not the case with an Episcopal priest in Richmond’s Northside. He is humble and joyous with a great sense of humor—a man who received the call later in life. 

By Charles McGuigan 12.2025

 
 

Happening now in the community:

20th Annual Christmas on MacArthur Returns 

12.2025

It was a rare day, an exceptional day. Temperature just right; cool, but not frigid. Sky above; thinly clouded, not oppressive.

Literally thousands turned out for the 20th Annual Christmas on MacArthur, which is really (and always has been) about three things—collecting toys for Toys-for-Tots, creating a kid-friendly atmosphere celebratory of the holidays, and offering artisans and entrepreneurs a space to sell their wares. And this, too: it highlights why Bellevue is, as one resident recently told me, her “favorite neighborhood on Earth.”

 
 

Richmond Waldorf School’s 5th Annual Holiday Faire

12.2025

From eleven till three on December 13, hundreds gathered at Richmond Waldorf School’s Northside campus in celebration of the holidays.

There were a number of children’s activities including the crafting of kites, beeswax candles, holiday wreaths and felted acorn ornaments.

Calls for Community Support As Food Insecurity Surges

12.2025

The Northside RVA Food Pantry at Ginter Park United Methodist Church is issuing an urgent call for community support as food insecurity in the Richmond Northside community reaches its highest level in years. As highlighted in recent news, demand has continued to grow dramatically across Virginia—and that trend has accelerated even further during the recent government shutdown and federal funding cuts.

 
 

Dana Robinson At Shady Grove 

12.2025

The Shady Grove Coffeehouse folk music concert series continues its 24th season on Saturday, January 17 at 7:30 pm with a concert featuring Americana-roots and folk singer-songwriter Dana Robinson.

Monthly Music Lineup At Northside Grille 

12.2025

Here’s a monthly list of bands and events hosted by Northside’s premier music venue— Northside Grille. 

Boulevardiers, December 19; Crack Fox, December 20; Can Ann & the Lowdown Gamblers, December 21, 3:30 pm; Flash the Band with Caroline Bowling, December 21, 8 pm; 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Christmas Say Less Brass Band, December22; Mike  Gales & the Warriorz, December 26; King Hollow, December 27; Janet Martin, December; First Friday Karaoke, January 2; Tab Justice, 3; Mike Lucas, January 4; Jonathan Meadows,  January 7; Jonathan Paige Brown Jr. with Sav, January 8; McVizzy, January 9; The Last Respects, January10; Tristan Dougherty andthe Heart Pines, January11; Ross Wright’s Piano Lounge, January 14; Jack Ass Flats, January15; 80’s Karaoke with Mackenzie Roark, January 16;Kofi Shepsu, January18; Brady Heck & Karen Jonus, January21; The Morning Glorys, January22; Armistead’s Armi, January 23; Possum Daddy with Sorry Excuse, January 24; Prabir, January 25; Pete Keefe, January 28; The Acousticats, January 29; Tarrant, January 30; and The High Frequencies, January 31.

 

Undeniable Coming Soon To the Branch Museum of Design

12.2025

In this dark and divisive era when cruelty and base bigotry seem the norm for some, art can illuminate the most stygian landscapes, and shine a bright light of compassion, love, and inclusion to shatter that darkness.

Our advertisers mean the world to us and allow us to do what we do. Take a look at who keeps North of the James going on our Advertisers page.

Pilgrim's Progress

By Jack R Johnson

“No Two Persons”

By Fran Withrow