Westover Church facts for kids
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Westover Church
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Westover Church, 1930, by Frances Benjamin Johnston
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5 mi. W of Charles City off VA 5, Charles City, Virginia |
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| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Built | 1731 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001502 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 05, 1972 |
Westover Church is a really old and important church in Charles City, Virginia, United States. It's located about 5 miles west of Charles City, just off Virginia State Route 5. This historic church was built way back in 1731. Because of its long history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Many important people from the past are buried near where the church first stood. This includes famous families like the Blands, Astons, Byrds, and Harrisons.
Contents
A Look at Westover Church's History
How Westover Parish Began
Between 1611 and 1613, early American colonists started moving west from Jamestown, Virginia. As they settled new areas, they created small church districts called "parishes." Some of these early parishes included Weyanoke, Wallingford, and Wilmington.
These smaller church areas later joined together. By 1625, they had combined to form what was known as Westover Parish. In 1724, Westover Parish became the same size as Charles City County. It has stayed that way ever since.
Building the Church
The church building you see today wasn't the very first one. An earlier church was built between 1630 and 1637. That first church stood on the grounds of the Westover estate.
The current Westover Church was finished around 1730. It was built in its present spot, near Herring Creek. This location is about 1.5 miles north of the Westover mansion.
Challenges and Revival
The American Revolution began in 1776. During this time, the government stopped financially supporting the church. Then, in 1784, the Church of England (which the church belonged to) was no longer the official church in America. This period was very difficult for Westover Church.
The church was completely abandoned in 1803. For about 30 years, no church services were held there. The building was even used as a barn for a while!
However, around 1833, church services started up again. A missionary named Reverend Parke Farley Berkeley helped bring the church back to life. The church building was repaired and restored. This was largely thanks to the efforts of the Harrison family from nearby Berkeley Plantation and the Carters from Shirley Plantation.
The Civil War and Beyond
During the American Civil War, Westover Church faced more damage. Federal troops used the church as a stable for their horses. This caused significant harm to the building.
After the war ended, services were restored once more in 1867. Since then, Westover Church has been used faithfully. It continues to be an active place of worship today.
Famous Visitors to Westover Church
Many different people have worshipped at Westover Church over the centuries. This includes local farmers and plantation owners. It also includes enslaved people who lived in the area.
Even several U.S. Presidents have attended services here! These include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and Theodore Roosevelt.
