Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Fredericksburg United Methodist Church
Photographed By Kevin W., September 15, 2007
1. Fredericksburg United Methodist Church Markers
This church sanctuary was built in 1882, the fifth building to be used by the congregation, and the second on this site. Additions were constructed in 1912, 1924, 1951, and 1989. The reverend John Kobler, an early leader who raised funds for the church and bequeathed his home to serve as the parsonage, died in 1843 and is buried, with his wife, under the church. The congregation was officially constituted in 1802 when the first minister, the Reverend John Pitts, was appointed. Methodist meetings had been held here as early as 1800.
(upper marker)
Fredericksburg United Methodist Church
1882
Built by
Fredericksburg Methodist Episcopal Church South
Erected by Historical Fredericksburg Foundation. (Marker Number 20.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 38° 18.079′ N, 77° 27.584′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker is on Hanover Street, 0 miles west of Princess Anne Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 308 Hanover St, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this
this page online
Regarding Fredericksburg United Methodist Church. The Church has served the local community and surrounding counties for over 200 years.
Methodism in Fredericksburg was formally constituted in April, 1802 as a station in the Baltimore Conference. Its first location was on George Street to the rear of what is today the Heilig-Meyers Furniture Company. After a rocky start, it began to grow in the 1820s when John Kobler, a retired Methodist minister, and his wife, Mary, became members. Inspired by the lay leadership of Kobler, the Church outgrew its small frame building, and in 1842, built a new brick edifice on Hanover Street at the location it occupies today. Much beloved and revered,
Photographed By Kevin W., September 15, 2007
2. Fredericksburg United Methodist Church Markers
In 1848, the congregation split over the slavery issue and a group left to join the newly formed Methodist Episcopal Church, South. They constructed a new Church at the corner of George and Charles Streets where Fredericksburg Savings and Loan is today. Unlike the brick building on Hanover Street, the Southern Church survived the Civil War unscathed. When the two congregations reunited after the War as part of the MEC, South, they worshipped in the Southern Church until 1882. Needing more room, they tore down the war-damaged 1842 structure and constructed on its site in 1882 a new Gothic church which the congregation still uses today.
Now, in the twenty-first century, the congregation has increased six fold and numerous additions to the original sanctuary have been made. The last addition in 1989 was by far the largest and was completed at a cost of a little over one million dollars. In 1963, it became the first Methodist Church in Virginia in modern times to become integrated.
Photographed By Kevin W., September 15, 2007
3. Fredericksburg United Methodist Church
Photo taken from the corner of Hanover and Princess Anne Streets, looking Southwest.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,955 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 18, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
