John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church and Cemetery facts for kids
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John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church and Cemetery
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Northwestern side and front
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 212 W. Warm Springs Drive at West Warm Springs, Virginia |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1873, 1923, 1982 |
| NRHP reference No. | 13000987 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 24, 2013 |
The John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church and Cemetery, also known as John Wesley United Methodist Church or Wesley Chapel, is a very old and important church and cemetery. It is located in West Warm Springs, Virginia, in Bath County, Virginia. This historic site was built by people who were formerly enslaved, making it a special place that tells a story about their community.
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A Church Built by a Community
The John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church was first built in 1873. It was constructed by former slaves who had gained their freedom. This makes the church a powerful symbol of their new lives and their strong community spirit. It was a place for worship and gathering.
What the Church Looks Like
The original church building was made of logs. It had a front-gabled roof, which means the main roof slope faces the front. The outside of the church was covered with weatherboard, which is a type of wooden siding. It also had a strong stone foundation.
Changes Over the Years
Over time, the church was updated and expanded.
- In 1923, a new front entrance area, called a vestibule, was added. This addition also included a bell tower. A choir loft was built at the back of the church at the same time.
- Later, in 1982, volunteers built a new section. This was a one-story addition for Sunday School classes. It was covered with vinyl siding.
Why This Church Is Important
The John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church is very important because it is the only building left from the first few decades of the African-American settlement in West Warm Springs. It shows how the community grew and thrived after the Civil War. It stands as a reminder of their history and their faith.
National Recognition
Because of its historical importance, the John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church and Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. This means it is recognized as a significant historical site in the United States.
