Merchant's Hope - Merchant's Hope Church

Merchant's Hope Church

Merchant's Hope Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Merchant's Hope Church
Nearest city: Hopewell, Virginia
Coordinates: 37°15′57″N 77°12′11″W / 37.26583°N 77.20306°W / 37.26583; -77.20306Coordinates: 37°15′57″N 77°12′11″W / 37.26583°N 77.20306°W / 37.26583; -77.20306
Area: 0 acres (0 ha)
Built: 1657
Governing body: Private
NRHP Reference#: 69000274
Added to NRHP: October 8, 1969

Merchants Hope Church was established in 1657, and the current sanctuary was completed in the mid 18th century. Even though the church has undergone renovation and restoration, it is virtually the same structure today as it was when it was built over 250 years ago. In the 21st century, members of Merchant's Hope Episcopal Church still meet in the 18th century structure, which is among the oldest Protestant churches in America still used as a house of worship

Merchant's Hope Church played a part in Bacon's Rebellion. In 1676 at Jordan Point, Nathaniel Bacon of Henrico County and many outraged settlers protested against edicts of the royal governors and demanded home rule. They met at the Merchant's Hope Church where they signed petitions to Governor William Berkeley demanding help against attacks by the Native Americans. Berkeley dismissed their petitions leaving Bacon and 211 volunteers to take matters into their own hands.

The church is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

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