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 located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is known as the third church built for the Lynnhaven Parish. In fact, it is the oldest church building still standing in Virginia Beach! Its history goes all the way back to 1637, when the first church services for the parish were held.
Contents
The First Churches
The story of Old Donation Church began a long time ago. In 1637, the first church services for the Lynnhaven Parish were held in the home of a man named Adam Thoroughgood. Just two years later, in 1639, the very first church building was constructed. It was built on Mr. Thoroughgood's land, at a spot later called "Church Point." The church's governing group, called the vestry, was officially created in 1640.
A New Building in 1692
By 1691, the first church building was getting old and falling apart. Also, the land around it was slowly 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: Built in 1736
As more and more people joined the parish, the second church became too small. In 1733, the church leaders decided to build an even bigger church. This third church was completed and accepted by the vestry on June 25, 1736. This is the building that eventually became known as Old Donation Church.
Reverend Robert Dickson's Gift
The last church leader during the colonial times was Reverend Robert Dickson. He was the rector, or head priest, of Lynnhaven Parish for 25 years. When he passed away in 1776, he left his home, workers, and land to the church. This property was meant to be a free school for boys who had no parents. It became known as "Donation Farm." This is why the church later 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 repaired in 1822 and had many people attending its services. However, over time, many families moved to a new area called "Kempsville." In 1842, the parish was reorganized to include these new communities. A new church, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, was built in Kempsville.
Abandoned and Burned
Soon after Emmanuel Church was finished, Old Donation Church was no longer used for services. It was left empty. Then, in 1882, a forest fire swept through and completely burned the inside of the abandoned church. Only its strong outer walls were left standing. Even though it was just ruins, a man named Thurmer Hoggard and his family held yearly services there. They wanted to keep the memory of the old church alive.
A New Beginning
In 1911, a group was formed to raise money to rebuild Old Donation Church. 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. A bell tower was added to the church in 1923.
Modern Times and Recognition
In the 1960s, Old Donation Church had major repairs to make sure the building was strong and safe. During this time, new slate floors were put in. These renovations were finished in 1966. Today, Old Donation Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a stop on the Bayside History Trail, which highlights important historical places.
The church building, built in 1736, and its congregation, which started in 1637, are among the oldest churches and congregations in the United States.
As of August 2025, Reverend Fred Poteet serves as the priest associate for pastoral care. This followed the retirement of Reverend Robert J. Randall, Jr., who was the rector until January 2025.
See also
