Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The First Methodist Meeting House
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, December 27, 2009
1. The First Methodist Meeting House Marker
Inscription.
The first Methodist Meeting House in Petersburg was a theatre on West Old Street near the river rented by Gressett Davis. Robert Williams, a follower of John Wesley, came to Petersburg to preach in 1773 at the invitation of Davis and Nathaniel Young, local businessmen. From this humble beginning, Methodism became firmly established in Petersburg and spread throughout the surrounding countryside. Petersburg served as Williams' headquarters and later was made part of the Brunswick circuit.
The first Methodist Meeting House in Petersburg was a theatre on West Old Street near the river rented by Gressett Davis. Robert Williams, a follower of John Wesley, came to Petersburg to preach in 1773 at the invitation of Davis and Nathaniel Young, local businessmen. From this humble beginning, Methodism became firmly established in Petersburg and spread throughout the surrounding countryside. Petersburg served as Williams' headquarters and later was made part of the Brunswick circuit.
Erected 1984 by Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number QA-18.)
Location. 37° 13.851′ N, 77° 24.984′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of Fleet Street and Grove Avenue (Virginia Route 36), on the right when traveling north on Fleet Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Appomattox River Heritage Trail (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Silk Mill
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 787 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 30, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
