Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 07/07/1970
NRHP Listing Date 09/15/1970
NRHP Reference Number 70000796
Abingdon Parish was formed in 1655 to minister to the residents of lower Gloucester County. The present Abingdon Church, the parish’s second, was built ca. 1755 and is one of Virginia’s most refined colonial structures. Making use of a cruciform plan, one reserved for more important churches, the building is distinguished by its superb brickwork, especially the molded brick doorways. Although its interior was damaged by Federal troops during the Civil War and was remodeled during the course of repairs, much of the fabric is original, including the galleries, sections of wainscoting, window sash, portions of the altarpiece, and part of the pulpit. The church became inactive in the early 1800s as the result of the disestablishment. Episcopalians reoccupied the building in 1826, and have had continued services to the present. A restoration of the interior of Abingdon Church to its colonial appearance was accomplished in the 1980s.
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Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: December 22, 2021
