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

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

1. Emmanuel Episcopal Church Marker

Inscription. Emmanuel Episcopal Church was organized on January 26, 1862 with 16 charter members. Rev. Mowbray served as the first priest. For the first few years services were held in other local churches. The first building which housed the new church was erected in 1868-69 on the southeast corner of Moore and Cumberland streets. The present building was erected in 1920-21 of native gray limestone in the Gothic style. It is an exact replica of the 13th century church at Sulgrave Manor in Northampton, England, an ancestral home of George Washington.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is January 26, 1862.

Location. 36° 35.828′ N, 82° 11.111′ W. Marker is in Bristol, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Cumberland Street and James Street, on the right when traveling east on Cumberland Street. The marker is at ground level in a planter above the adjacent sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 700 Cumberland St, Bristol VA 24201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker

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is in Virginia’s Tri-Cities Area,

in Southwest Virginia,

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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: Solar Hill (a few steps from this marker); King/Lancaster/McCoy/Mitchell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Solar Observatory (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); King's Alley/Sycamore Street (about 500 feet away); WCYB's "Farm and Fun Time" (about 500 feet away); Solar Street (about 500 feet away); A Tribute to Sgt. Carl Lee Powers, A Korean War Veteran (about 600 feet away); The Sunrise House 1895 (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bristol.

Also see . . .
1. History of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church Marker to the right of the sanctuary entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

2. Emmanuel Episcopal Church Marker to the right of the sanctuary entrance

Emmanuel Episcopal Church was established on January 26, 1862, in the hamlet of Goodson — later known as Bristol — Virginia, by sixteen determined men and women, only nine of whom were communicants. A brick structure owned by the Masonic fraternity and known as the Academy Building was secured rent-free; but, as the Civil War was raging, its use was short-lived due to its conversion to a military hospital.

A nearby Baptist church allowed parishioners to use its building for a 9:00 a.m. service, with the proviso that it be cleared for the Baptists to meet two hours later! This meeting place was used until February, 1869, when a frame structure on the corner of Moore and Cumberland Streets was completed.

(Submitted on October 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)

2. Emmanuel Episcopal Church. (Submitted on October 6, 2024.)

Bristol Historical Association plaque (1921) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

3. Bristol Historical Association plaque (1921)

Solar Hill Historic District Preservation Award image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

4. Solar Hill Historic District Preservation Award

Full view of Emmanuel Episcopal Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

5. Full view of Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 183 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.