THE SECOND VIRGINIA CONVENTION
THE SECOND VIRGINIA CONVENTION
St. John's Episcopal Church is the oldest church in Richmond, built in 1741 and giving its name to the Church Hill district. It was formed from the Henrico Parish Church which was first located at the early county seat of Varina. The original 1741 church building remains as the transept of the current church, built along east-west lines. In 1772 a 40 foot square extension was added to the northern side, orienting the church towards the south, to which end the altar was moved.
In March, 1775 the Second Virginia Convention was held in this church. Amongst the 120 delegates were Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Debate centred around the perceived need to raise a militia to resist encroachments on civil rights by the British Government under King George III. Patrick Henry, a delegate from Hanover County rose in support of a militia and with his fiery speech concluding with the words "'Give me liberty or give me death!'", swayed the vote.
During January, 1781 General Benedict Arnold, now serving on the British side, quartered his troops in the church when Richmond was occupied
St. John's Episcopal Church is the oldest church in Richmond, built in 1741 and giving its name to the Church Hill district. It was formed from the Henrico Parish Church which was first located at the early county seat of Varina. The original 1741 church building remains as the transept of the current church, built along east-west lines. In 1772 a 40 foot square extension was added to the northern side, orienting the church towards the south, to which end the altar was moved.
In March, 1775 the Second Virginia Convention was held in this church. Amongst the 120 delegates were Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Debate centred around the perceived need to raise a militia to resist encroachments on civil rights by the British Government under King George III. Patrick Henry, a delegate from Hanover County rose in support of a militia and with his fiery speech concluding with the words "'Give me liberty or give me death!'", swayed the vote.
During January, 1781 General Benedict Arnold, now serving on the British side, quartered his troops in the church when Richmond was occupied
posted by Jay Bartels at 11:05 PM
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