Abingdon in Washington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church
founded in 1772
| | Honoring the Congregation | |
For more than 250 years, from generation to generation, the men, women, and youth of the congregation have sustained religious ferfor and faithfulness during many challenging times, responding to God's grace by being a welcoming community, following Jesus, serving joyfully, and sharing God's love.
1770 The first meeting house, a log cabin was constructed
1772 Established as a Presbyterian Church
1773 Parson Charles Cummings the first of 31 pastors for the congregation
1783 A second more prominent log structure was built
1832 The third church was built on Main Street, the present Barter Theater
1851 The fourth Presbyterian Church was built in at the present location
1868 The congregation established Stonewall Jackson College for women
1891 Dedication of Fifth church and current sanctuary
1929 A Christian Education wing was constructed
1969 The Reverend Dodie Russell, the first female pastor
The congregation continues to Reflect the Past and it Lights the Future through its strong, dynamic mission and ministry in the Abingdon area and beyond.
Erected 2024 by Wilderness
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the The Colonial Dames XVII Century, National Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1770.
Location. 36° 42.685′ N, 81° 58.331′ W. Marker is in Abingdon, Virginia, in Washington County. It is on East Main Street (U.S. 11) west of Pecan Street Southeast, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 136 E Main St, Abingdon VA 24210, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker 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 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
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Marcella (a few steps from this marker); Site of Blacks Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Law Office (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Russell House (about 400 feet away); Col. James White House (about 600 feet away); History of Barter Stage II (about 600 feet away); Wolf Hills Forge (about 600 feet away); Walnut Grove (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abingdon.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
