Scenes from Westover Parish Church, Charles City, Virginia. June 23, 2009.
On our anniversary trip in 2007 Betsy and I drove toward Richmond after leaving Jamestown-Yorktown-Williamsburg. Our route took us parallel to the James River, which was the ‘highway’ of colonial Virginia.
About halfway to Richmond we came to Westover Parish Church. I knew that Westover was one of the earliest Virginia plantations, so we decided to stop.
Westover Parish was formed in 1613 and a church was constructed between 1630 and 1637 on Westover Plantation. The present church building was completed about 1730. Between 1803 and 1833 the church was abandoned and used part of the time as a barn. But in 1833 the building was repaired and restored and religious services were revived. Westover Church was badly wrecked by Federal troops during the Civil War, but it was restored again in 1867 and has been in continuous use ever since.
Through the years farmers, plantation owners, slaves and presidents have worshipped at Westover Church. The presidents include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler (whose plantation is nearby) and Theodore Roosevelt.
To see these pictures and others, click HERE.
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I’m grateful to the people who love and preserve the history of this wonderful country.
Senior Moments 
January 14, 2010 at 9:04 am |
Lots of history in that little church. Something built in the 1800s out this way would be considered old. I cannot imagine the 1600s. Very neat.
I see you have the collage mode down pat. Looks good. MB
January 14, 2010 at 12:37 pm |
That’s some history in that Church…if boards could talk!
January 14, 2010 at 1:08 pm |
Seems like a place worth visiting. I can’t recall whether or not I commented on your windchimes and icicles post … glad you got some blue skies … and hope the chimes work to keep the woodpeckers at bay.
Hugs and blessings,
January 14, 2010 at 3:24 pm |
I agree, it is great that so many historical places are preserved.!
Nice pictures and history lesson George.
January 14, 2010 at 4:37 pm |
What a beautiful serene place to visit…love the photos!!! Your Betsy is especially beautiful in these photos!!!
January 14, 2010 at 6:10 pm |
Simple and beautiful!
January 14, 2010 at 6:40 pm |
This is a beautiful collage!!! Love that magnolia!
January 14, 2010 at 11:43 pm |
What a life that church has had…and it is so beautiful!
January 15, 2010 at 11:19 am |
The collage is beautiful! That Magnolia is stunning – love those flowers! What a lovely church and enjoyed reading about its history!
January 16, 2010 at 12:36 am |
I like the collage. How fortunate we are to live in a country with such history that is preserved for all to see.