Hungars Church facts for kids
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Hungars Church
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Hungar's Church, HABS Photo
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | E of jct. of Rtes. 619 and 622, Bridgetown, Virginia |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1742–1751, 1851, 1922 |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000813 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1970 |
Hungars Church, also known as Hungars Parish Church, is a very old Episcopal church building. You can find it in Bridgetown, in Northampton County, Virginia. Since 1828, this church has shared its parish with another church. That second church was built about nine miles away in Eastville. Both are now among the oldest churches on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
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Contents
The Story of Hungars Church
Early Days and Native Americans
Long ago, the land where Hungars Church stands was home to the Accawmacke Indians. They had many small towns and a thriving community. Then, English colonists arrived. They created Accomack Shire, one of the first eight shires (like counties) in Virginia. This area included what are now Accomack and Northampton counties.
The first minister for the church was Rev. Francis Bolton. Later, Rev. John Cotton became the second minister. He also farmed the land from about 1632 to 1645. In 1645, a church leader named Robert Vaughn passed away. He left money (in tobacco!) to help build a church. This church became known as Nussawattocks Church.
How the Parish Grew
In 1642, Northampton County was divided into two church areas, called parishes. These were separated by King's Creek. Later, in 1663, Accomac Parish was created from the northern part of Hungar's Parish. Then, in 1690, Nassawattocks Parish joined with Hungar's Parish. Eastville became the main town for Northampton County. Around this time, a wooden church was built at a place called Church Neck.
Land and Support for Ministers
In 1653, a wealthy church leader named Stephen Charlton gave land to support the minister. This land was called a "glebe." He might have also given money to build a church. When he died, his will said the church would get his property if his daughters passed away. This led to some legal arguments later on. The glebe remained the home for the parish's ministers from 1745 until 1850.
Building the Current Church
In 1679, people agreed to build a 40-foot-long wooden church at the Hungars site. The land for it was officially given to the church in 1684. Since 1690, the parish has covered the same area as Northampton County.
The church building you see today is the third one for Hungars Parish. It might have been built around 1742. This was a busy time because a ferry to York and Hampton had started nearby in 1731. Before the American Revolutionary War, this church was the second largest in Virginia.
After the Episcopal Church lost its official status around 1802, both the Magothy and Hungars chapels were left empty. Church members then met at the county courthouse in Eastville. However, the church kept some important items. These included a special basin given around 1690 and communion silver from 1741.
Renovations and Changes Over Time
Hungars Church became active again in 1819 as the area became more successful. Around 1850, the church building was reported to be unsafe. It was repaired in 1851 and made shorter. It went from 92 feet long to about 74 feet. The balcony, where people without pews (like enslaved people) sat, was also redone.
In 1884, the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Railroad was built. This railroad helped the area's economy a lot. It brought more prosperity to the parish. Hungars Church had more repairs in 1892, adding a new gallery and stove flues. An oak floor was put in during 1922. More updates happened in the 1950s and 1980s, adding lighting, heat, and air conditioning.
Christ Church in Eastville
Meanwhile, another church, Christ Church, was built in Eastville in 1828. This church replaced the older Magothy church. It was built on land given by Severn E. Parker. Over the years, beautiful stained glass windows were added. A pipe organ was donated in 1986. In 1974, land was given for the parish hall, a building next to the church.
Christ Episcopal Church in Eastville is also a Virginia Historic Landmark. It is part of the Eastville Historical District, which was recognized nationally in 2009. The home for the ministers of both churches was bought in 1985. It is about half a mile south of Christ Church.
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What Hungars Church Looks Like
The Hungars Church building was constructed between 1742 and 1751. It is a one-story building made of brick. It has a Colonial style. The north and south sides have four sections, and the end walls have two sections. The roof is sloped (gable roof) with decorative molding. As mentioned, the building was made shorter in 1851. The roof, floor, and molding might have been updated in 1922.
Hungars Church Today
The church parish is still active today. It is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Hungars Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
While Hungars Church wasn't included in the Cape Charles Historic District, Christ Church in Eastville is part of the Eastville Historical District, which was added to the National Register in 2009. The Rev. Daniel Lee Crockett is currently the minister for both Hungars Church and Christ Church. The main offices for the parish are next to Christ Church in Eastville.
