If not, you have missed an opportunity to understand the rich history of churches in the early life of the residents of Prince Wuilliam County. The good news is that they still stand and will welcome you.
One of the primary factors in the colonization of the "New World" was to escape both religious and political persecution. Churches had written "laws" and a governing body that provided much of the basis for civil law and sense of community in daily life. That structure played an important part in the development of rural America throughout the 19th century.
Prince William County was just such a rural commuity until the end of World War II and had an abundance of them. Fortunately, eight have survived and are well preserved as free standing buildings plus many of them are still very active congregatons. There are others, but they have been modified and enlarged, losing their original identity. We only visited those that have retained their original configuration as part of learning what made and still makes Prince William County an exciting place to call home. It was an educational pleasure to write a post on each of them detailing their history - links to the posts are below
Saint Paul's Anglican in Haymarket was originally built as a courthouse in 1801. It has the oldest continually operating congregation in Prince William County. It was used by both Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War.
Asbury Methodist Episcopal was completed in 1894. Today, it stands across the street from modern day Asbury United Methodest
Since Bethel Chapel was completed in 1850 it was used by both Confederate and Union troops. Today, it rests on the grounds of Bethel United Methodist Church
Ebenezer Baptist is the the oldest African American church in this area of Northern Virginia. Although it no longer occupies the building at the right it is a thiving congregration with a huge new campus and sanctuary.
Built in 1874 the non-denominational Brentsville Union Church is now owned by Prince William County. It is available for religious services and weddings as well as public or corporate meetings
Built in 1847 Hatcher Baptist is another pre-Civil War church that was used by both Confederate and Union troops. It is the only stone church in the historic group and is home to an active congregation
The building at the left was completed in 1858. but the story of Greenwich Presbyterian began in a home in 1802 and to a log cabin in 1810. The land was donated by an Englishman who convinced Union troops it was neutral British property and it was not occupied during the Civil War. It is an active congregation
Built in 1906 at a total cost of $830 Buckhall Methodist is the youngest of our historic churches in Prince William County. It is connected to the modern sanctuary by a breezeway and is an active participant in the life of the congregation
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