More Petersburg, VA

Yesterday morning we went to church at Gary's United Methodist Church. This church is old, dating back to the late 1800's. The sanctuary is about 50 x 75 feet - small. There have been additions added to the building over the years. When we walked in through what appeared to be original doors, it was like walking back in time. The pews were of a much older style and the front of the church had a pretty stained glass window with carved panels around what would have been the choir area. This church is a real country church, but I've never been made to feel so welcome. Everyone was so friendly and wanted to know about our new chosen lifestyle. If we are ever back in this part of Virginia, we will go back to visit again.



This is a quote from their web site about their history - In 1846 the trustees of a small Prince George county church traded Albert H. Alley land for land. In this deal, Albert got about three acres of land with a small barn and the trustee's of Gary's received about three acres of land with a fresh water spring. This land proved to be an ideal place to build a meeting house. The first 40 years at the site was a time of almost constant change. In 1864 the meeting house was torn down by Union soldiers and in 1865 the parsonage (which, at that time, was located in Stony Creek) was burned by Yankees during a raid there. After the war, in 1867, the trustee's of Gary's bought the Hall's Methodist Episcopal church building. They dismantled the old building and in 1868 re-constructed it where the old Gary's church had stood. In 1871 the Ladies Aid Society of Gary's raised thirteen dollars and fifty cents to purchase an adjoining acre of land which became the cemetery. In 1879-1880 the church building was torn down and the present church was built. In the 118 years since, the church building has seen many additions. These additions have been necessary to accommodate the growth of the Gary's church family.

After a so-so lunch at Appleby's in Colonial Heights which is just north of Petersburg, we drove through the Petersburg Battlefield. A very pretty drive. It was so hot, we decided not to get out at the eight stops along the route, so no pictures.

We then went to tour the Old Blandford Church which was built in 1735. It is not used as a church any longer, but has been restored. Each Confederate State honored its soldiers by donating a memorial window each individually designed by Tiffany. There are a total of 15 Tiffany stained glass windows in the building, including a couple that were added by the Ladies Memorial Association of Petersburg. Unfortunately, they would not allow pictures to be taken of the windows.




If you are interested in reading more information about the siege of Petersburg or the Blandford Church, this web site will take you there. There are a couple of pictures of the stained glass windows as well on this site. www.craterroad.com

Today we just goofed off and stayed home. For one thing, it was HOT! The temp hit the 100's and that is just to hot to be out doing much. Tomorrow Dean is grilling steaks, so we will just hang around the campground again. Happy 4th!