Yeocomico Church

My last excursion of 2023 took me 122 miles, and more as I NEVER go straight to a place. I take every wrong turn, side road, and dead end (hey I've found some wonderful places on dead end roads) to get where I'm going. December 10th was a seven hour day, traveling to this historic Episcopal Church, and I loved every minute of it.

As per the Society of Architectural Historians, “One of the oldest churches in Virginia, Yeocomico Church was built in 1706 to replace an earlier frame structure. Apparently some of the woodwork from the earlier church was reused. The south wall is the earliest, and the north wing, which gives Yeocomico its unique T shape, dates from c. 1730. The brickwork employs a number of different bonds and patterns. Carving, such as initials—at least eleven different sets—appears in a number of places.” (1) [ https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/VA-01-PE12 ]

The Parish dates as far back as 1664, and Library of Congress record implies that the church has an “inscribed date 1706 may be a construction date, however the present form is the result of a T-wing added ca. 1730-40.” (2) [ https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/historic-registers/096-0031/ ]. In it history it has been,"Used as barracks (in three wars), schoolhouse, stable, and roosting place for birds." (3) [https://www.loc.gov/item/2017892114/]

According to Virginia’s national Historic Landmarks. “The Yeocomico Church’s blending of artisan-mannerist and classical elements make this singular colonial building an illustration of early 18th-century transitional architecture. The side entrance porch, possibly an early addition, with its wicket door (a smaller door cut into a larger door), is a common feature of English parish churches built through the post-Medieval period, but is a unique American example. The classical modillion cornice is a harbinger of the Georgian style. Adding interest is the strangely inconsistent brick bonding. Inscribed in the brickwork are fifteen sets of initials representing the participation of many workmen.” (6) [https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/historic-registers/096-0031/]

A note in Wikipedia states, “According to local tradition, the church became barracks during the American Revolution and was, like most other Anglican churches in Virginia, abandoned after either the Revolution or Episcopal Church's disestablishment circa 1794. American soldiers reportedly slaughtered animals in the courtyard and used the communion table as a chopping block, although its surface was later restored.(4) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeocomico_Church#cite_note-Rawlings_57-8]

An article in Genelogy Trails backs that up, “Bishop Meade says: "Yeocomico church is one of the old churches, being built in the year 1706... The old church has suffered, as have many others, in the stormy times of the nation's history. During the last war with Great Britain, it was shamefully abused by the soldiers who were quartered in it while watching the movements of the British on the Potomac.  The communion table was removed into the yard, where it served as a butcher's block, and was entirely defaced...Nor was the baptismal font exempt from profanation. It was taken some miles from the church and used as a vessel in which to prepare the excitements of ungodly mirth. This, however, was not long permitted, for the absence of every member of our communion, none being left to do it, a venerable man of the Presbyterian connection, mortified at the dishonor done to religion, took pains to regain it and restore to its proper place."(5) [https://www.genealogytrails.com/vir/westmoreland/yeocomicochurch.html] 

There’s signage by the church, erected by the Department of Historical Resources, 2011, that refers to an incident in the spring of 1814 of an incident that occurred during the numerous raids the British were conducting along the Potomac River when “they found poisoned wine at the Thompson house and accused the Virginia militia of uncivilized warfare. The militia held a court of inquiry and dismissed the accusations as “utterly without foundation.” Which the Brits accepted.

My personal experience with the church was just one of profound serenity. The only sound was the rustling of leaves as I walked, and the occasional call of a bird. Afterwards, as I researched its history it was hard to imagine this being a barracks for three wars. It was hard to imagine troops of soldiers commandeering the land and, it seems, desecrating the property.

Would that I didn’t have such a long drive home – I would have preferred to stay longer.