Winchester in Frederick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Preachers Led the Way with Joyous Hymns

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. The Preachers Led the Way with Joyous Hymns Marker

Inscription. African Americans, free and enslaved, rejoiced as they built this, their own church in 1858. John Mann Methodist Church is an early example of the separate Black churches that thrived after the Civil War. It was named for an old Black preacher who walked with crutches and was said to have brought Methodism to African Americans in Winchester. The congregation had formerly worshipped at nearby Market Street Methodist Church, across the street, and leaders of Market Street supported the desire of African Americans for their own church. With joyous hymns, African Americans worshipped here for more than 150 years.

This marker was created as a collaboration between Winchester-Frederick County Tourism and the Local Black History Task Force.

(captions)
Stained-glass windows honor church leaders. The interior has been updated over the years.
Winchester Republican, November 26, 1858, page 2.
Photos courtesy of John Burns, Robert Nelson Sr.

Erected 2024 by Winchester-Frederick County Tourism and the Local Black History Task Force.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 39° 10.89′

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N, 78° 9.853′ W. Marker is in Winchester, Virginia, in Frederick County. It is on East Cork Street (Virginia Route 657) east of South Cameron Street (U.S. 11), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 119 East Cork Street, Winchester VA 22601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

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: Centenary Reformed Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Madison S. Briscoe (within shouting distance of this marker); Early 19th Century Stone Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ruth's Tea Room (about 600 feet away); Hill's Keep (about 600 feet away); First Presbyterian Church (about 600 feet away); Photos of Old Town Winchester (about 600 feet away); Cannon Ball House (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.

Also see . . .
1. John Mann UMC. (Submitted on May 28, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. New signs offer additional insight into local Black history. (Submitted on May 28, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
3. African - American. (Submitted on May 28, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. The Preachers Led the Way with Joyous Hymns Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 91 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 28, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.