Leesburg in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
In Memory of Richard Owings
First native born Methodist local preacher, born November 13, 1738, Baltimore County, Maryland. Died October 7, 1786, Leesburg, Virginia and was buried on this spot.
He was converted under the ministry of Robert Strawbridge and Received on Trialin 1775. He served Baltimore Circuit, 1775 and was a local preacher in Maryland 1776–1786.
As a local preacher he travelled extensively in the fall of 1783. He was the first Methodist preacher to cross the entire range of the Allegheny Mountains, unfurling the Standard of the Cross in Redstone, Pennsylvania and gathering a class which became the Redstone Circuit.
Ordained Deacon in 1786, he served Fairfax Circuit May 21, 1886 to October 7, 1786, during which time he was Pastor of the “Old Stone” Methodist Church which stood within the bounds of this cemetery.
Erected 1968 by Virginia Methodist Historical Society, May 1.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is May 21, 1766.
Location. 39° 7.05′ N, 77° 33.967′ W. Marker is in Leesburg, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker can be reached from Cornwall Street near Liberty Street. Marker is in the Old Methodist Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Leesburg VA 20175, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. An Early Methodist Parsonage / The Archaeology of a Church (a few steps from this marker); Site of The Old Stone Church / Successors to the Old Stone Church (a few steps from this marker); Highlights of History / The Old Stone Church in Nineteenth-Century Leesburg (a few steps from this marker); In 2018 during the construction of new residences… (within shouting distance of this marker); Mrs. Sarah Armat (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. Wright Brickell (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Stone Church Site (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,952 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 7, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.