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Necessity often forced the
Founding Fathers to mix church and state. On one historic occasion in
1775 the Second Virginia Convention chose St. John's Church as their meeting
place because it was the largest public gathering place in Richmond. On
the fourth day of their week long convention Patrick Henry delivered his
famous "Liberty or Death" speech (see Scotchtown and Red Hill selections).
This historic occasion is
reenacted on summer Sundays at 2:00 P.M. from the last weekend in May through
the first Sunday in September and on the Sunday closest to March 23, the day
on which Henry delivered his impassioned plea. Join with costumed actors
portraying Henry, Washington, Jefferson and other Virginia delegates as they
debate the future of the American colonies. You are indeed where history
happened. Later during the Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold quartered
his troops in St. John's while occupying Richmond.
St. John's, 35 years old when
the Revolution began, is the oldest church in Richmond and one of the
oldest surviving wooden buildings in the city. It was built in 1741 on
land given to Henrico Parish by William Byrd II. Although the church has
been largely restored since colonial days, the high pulpit, flooring, transept
and many of the pews are original.
Guided tours of the church are
given for a nominal admission, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00
P.M. and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. The last tour starts at 3:30 P.M.
St. John's is closed on major holidays. Sunday Episcopal worship
services are held at 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. with a NOON coffee hour and
reception. During hours when tours are conducted the Chapel Gift Shop is
open in the old Victorian Gothic Keeper's house.
Also historically significant is
St. Paul's Church at 815 East Grace Street. You can attend services at
NOON Monday through Friday and 11:00 A.M. on Sunday at this church where both
Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis worshipped. The President of the
Confederacy was attending service on Sunday, April 2, 1865, when he received
word that Petersburg had fallen and the Union army was marching on Richmond.
The fear that spread through the congregation was quickly confirmed by Davis's
order to evacuated the city. St. Paul's Church is open Monday through
Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.
Directions: Take Exit 10 from I-95. St. John's is located at
2401 East Broad Street down from the Richmond National Battlefield Park (you can
follow the battlefield signs). For St. Paul's Church take Broad Street to
8th Street and turn left. Make a right on Grace Street.
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