Olde Towne in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

St. John's Church

By Devry Becker Jones, January 30, 2021

1. St. John's Church Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

St. John's Episcopal Church was founded in 1848; its original Greek Revival sanctuary opened in 1850 near the corner of Court and London Streets. During the yellow fever epidemic of 1855, James Chisholm, the church's first rector, remained in Portsmouth to minister to the sick. He died of the disease and was later added to the Episcopal Church's calendar of saints. The Gothic Revival sanctuary on this site, designed by architect Charles M. Cassell, opened in 1898. Mary Brown Channel, the first female architect licensed in Virginia, designed several additions. Her father, William A. Brown (rector 1904-1938), was consecrated Bishop of Southern Virginia here in 1938.

Erected 2019 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q82.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion • Women.

Location. 36° 50.223′ N, 76° 18.244′ W. Marker is in Olde Towne in Portsmouth, Virginia. Marker is on Washington Street

By Devry Becker Jones, January 30, 2021

2. St. John's Church Marker

just north of London Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 412 Washington St, Portsmouth VA 23704, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Saint Paul's School (within shouting distance of this marker); Richard Dale, U.S.N. (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lincolnsville (about 500 feet away); Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); St. Paul's Catholic Church Burial Ground (about 500 feet away); St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church (about 500 feet away); Birthplace of Dr. James W. Holley III (about 500 feet away); Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olde Towne.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 29 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 31, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.