Old Donation Episcopal Church facts for kids
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Old Donation Church
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Old Donation Episcopal Church
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4449 N. Witch Duck Rd., Virginia Beach, Virginia |
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| Area | 8 acres (3.2 ha) |
| Built | 1736 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001534 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 13, 1972 |
Old Donation Church is a very old and important church in Virginia Beach. It is the third church built for Lynnhaven Parish and is known as the oldest church in the city. Its history goes back to 1637 when the first church services were held.
Contents
A Long History: The First Churches
The story of Old Donation Church began in 1637. That year, the first church services for Lynnhaven Parish were held in the home of Adam Thoroughgood. This was a common way for early communities to worship.
The First Church Building
In 1639, the very first church building was constructed. It was built on land owned by Mr. Thoroughgood. This spot later became known as "Church Point." In 1640, the church's governing body, called the vestry, was officially created.
The Second Church Building
By 1691, the first church building was getting old and falling apart. Also, the land around it was being washed away by the Lynnhaven River. So, the church leaders decided to build a new church. They bought two acres of land from Ebenezer Taylor. The second Lynnhaven Parish Church was finished in 1692.
The Third Church Building
As more people joined the parish, the second church became too small. In 1733, the vestry decided to build an even bigger church. This third church was completed and accepted by the vestry on June 25, 1736. This is the main part of the building we see today.
Reverend Dickson and "Donation Farm"
The last colonial rector (or head priest) of Lynnhaven Parish was Reverend Robert Dickson. He led the church for 25 years. When he passed away in 1776, he left his home and property to the church.
This property was meant to be used as a free school for boys who had lost their parents. It became known as "Donation Farm." This is why the church eventually got its name, Old Donation Church. Reverend Dickson was buried right under the altar of the 1736 church.
Challenges and Rebuilding
Old Donation Church was used regularly and had many members in the early 1800s. Records show it had repairs in 1822. However, many families started moving to a new area called "Kempsville."
A New Church in Kempsville
To serve these new communities, the parish was reorganized in 1842. A new church, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, was built in Kempsville. After Emmanuel Church was finished, Old Donation Church was no longer used for regular services.
Fire and Ruin
In 1882, a forest fire badly damaged the abandoned Old Donation Church. Only the outer walls were left standing. Despite this, a local family, the Hoggards, started holding yearly services in the roofless ruins. This helped keep the memory of the old church alive.
Rebuilding Efforts
In 1911, a group was formed to raise money to rebuild Old Donation. Thanks to the hard work of Reverend Richard Alfriend and Judge B. D. White, construction began in 1912. The church was fully restored and reopened for services in 1916. The church's bell tower was added a few years later, in 1923.
Modern Times
Old Donation Church had major repairs in the 1960s to make sure the building was strong and safe. During this time, new slate floors were put in. These updates were finished in 1966.
Today, Old Donation Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. It's also one of the stops on the Bayside History Trail, where people can learn about the area's past.
Both the church building, built in 1736, and its congregation, which started in 1637, are among the oldest churches and church groups in the United States. The current Rector of the church is Reverend Robert J. Randall, Jr.
See also
