Williamsburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Methodism in Williamsburg

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021

1. Methodism in Williamsburg Marker

Inscription. Methodism entered Williamsburg when Joseph Pilmor, a "missionary" sent by Wesley, preached in the yard of the Capitol in August 1772. The new faith made only slow progress in the heavily Church of England/Episcopal town. On his first visit in 1781, Francis Asbury observed that "Williamsburg [was] formerly the seat of government, now moved to Richmond, thus the worldly glory is departed from it; as to Divine glory, it never had any." Yet Methodism began its slow rise even as the town began its long decline, and this congregation dates continuously from at least 1785.

Erected by Williamsburg United Methodist Church, given in memory of James W. Patterson (1934 - 2003).

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Francis Asbury, Traveling Methodist Preacher series list. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1772.

Location. 37° 16.074′ N, 76° 42.774′ W. Marker is in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is on Jamestown Road (Virginia Route 5) just south of Cary Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Williamsburg United Methodist Church (here, next to this marker); College Camp (approx. ¼ mile away); Indian School at the College of William & Mary (approx. 0.3 miles away); In Gallia Nati Mortui in Virginia (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Christopher Wren Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Priorities of the College of William and Mary (approx. 0.3 miles

Williamsburg United Methodist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021

2. Williamsburg United Methodist Church

away); Alumni of the College of William and Mary (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sir Christopher Wren Building (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 332 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 2, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.