Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Booth Hall

Photographed By Kevin W., November 18, 2007

1. Booth Hall Marker

Inscription. To the Glory of God
and
In loving memory of
The Rev. Arthur E. Booth
by whose devoted and untiring efforts
this Parish House was erected

Erected by Christ Episcopal Church.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, US Civil.

Location. 38° 12.003′ N, 77° 35.283′ W. Marker is in Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. Marker is on Courthouse Road (Virginia Route 208), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8951 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania VA 22553, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ashes to Ashes (a few steps from this marker); A Place of Public Worship (within shouting distance of this marker); Sadly in Need… (within shouting distance of this marker); Berea Christian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Amid Shot and Shell (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Case of Negligence (about 400 feet away); Modification, Decay & Preservation (about 400 feet away); Turning the Pages of Time (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.

Regarding Booth Hall.

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During its over 165 years of existence, Christ Church has been temporarily closed several times. When it first closed in 1884, one mother complained, “This is the worst place in the world, where the cuckoo never sings, the primrose never blooms, and the babies are never baptized.” The last time the Church closed was in the late 1950s, when the congregation has dwindled to just six women. These women kept the church clean and donated dimes for the privilege of doing the cleaning. It was at this time that the Reverend Arthur Booth was assigned to reopen and serve Christ Church. During his tenure, the congregation grew from just a handful to around 35 parishioners. The Reverend Booth spearheaded the effort to build the present parish hall, which is named in his honor.

Additional commentary.
1. Private Harrison Loses His Home
Private Edgar Harrison and his family lived on the Harrison Farm, about a mile north of the Church. Private Harrison's unit took up position on Myers Hill, located behind Christ Church, into positions set up to defend the Confederate flank during the battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse.

Only a few days later, Ann Harrison greeted Robert E. Lee and his staff as they led their horses to her doorstep and declared the house to be their headquarters. The Confederates

Booth Hall and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., November 18, 2007

2. Booth Hall and Marker

then encircled the Harrison Farm with trenches to counter the encroaching Union Army.

From his position on Myer’s hill, scant miles from his own farm, Private Harrison watched in horror as, during the ensuing battle, flames and smoke consumed his home. His wife and daughters, however, miraculously survived.

— Submitted December 3, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.

Christ Episcopal Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., November 18, 2007

3. Christ Episcopal Church

Next door to Booth Hall is the Christ Episcopal Church, built in 1841 of bricks made in a nearby clay field.

Pvt. Edgar W. Harrison, Co. E, 9th VA Cav, CSA image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., November 18, 2007

4. Pvt. Edgar W. Harrison, Co. E, 9th VA Cav, CSA

To the right of the Sanctuary are the four graves of Pvt. Harrison, his wife, and their two daughters, ages 3 and 6 at the time of the Battle of Spotsylvania.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,093 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 3, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on November 20, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on December 3, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.