Hello all,
This VAventure took place at the historic St. Peter’s Church where Union soldiers and others carved their initials in the brick exterior a long, LOOOONNG time ago. Some carvings were from as early as 1617. When we visited we saw, covering the walls, hundreds of carved initials and designs. I snapped a picture of each one and you can see most of them in the slideshow at the bottom of the page.
Now, for the fun information:
St. Peter’s Church is Episcopalian and is located in New Kent County, Virginia. That’s where our family country house is.
It’s called “The First Church of the First First-Lady.” (that being Martha Dandridge Custis Washington)
St. Peter’s Church was founded in on April 29th 1679 and it’s construction started in 1701. The church was finished in 1703. Only 2 years!
And how about this: President George Washington and Martha Washington were married at the church on January 6, 1759, 2 years after the death of Martha’s first husband, Daniel Parke Custis. Wow!
Another First Lady, Laticia Christian (wife of John Tyler) is said to have attended services there during her youth. Lots of Christians are buried in the graveyard.
After the Revolutionary War, St. Peter’s Church fell apart because nobody cared enough to take care of it.
The poor little church suffered a lot during the Civil War. Union soldiers stabled their horses inside tied to the pews which only made it worse for St Peter’s.
In 1896, General Robert E. Lee wrote, “St. Peter’s is the church were General Washington was married and attended in early life. It would be a shame to America if allowed to go to destruction.” Then, in 1872, General Lee’s son (who was also a General) William Henry Fitzhugh Lee oversaw part of the restoration of St. Peter’s church.
Now you see why St. Peter’s Church is so important. Maybe you’ve been there before. If you haven’t, you should definitely go.
PICTURE TIME!!!!
MyVAventures 