Sanctuaries in Spotsylvania

Sanctuaries in Spotsylvania. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. , Salem Baptist Church was one of nearly a dozen churches that dotted northern Spotsylvania County on the eve of the Civil War. Zoan, Wilderness, Massaponax, Zion, Christ, Piney Branch – They collectively served as the backbone of the Spotsylvania community. Far-flung neighbors often saw each other only at Sunday church services. Pastors like Salem’s Melzi Chancellor became both spiritual and community leaders. , Like most of Spotsylvania’s churches, Salem consisted of fewer than 100 members drawn from surrounding farms. Some, including Salem, permitted membership by free blacks or attendance by slaves (thought often through separate entrances). During the Civil War, churches became famous as headquarters, hospitals, or places of refuge. Many suffered vandalism, battle damage, or theft. But all survived the war, and most of the congregations continue to thrive today. , (Modern day pictures of Civil War era churches include): Wilderness Baptist Church, Berea Christian Church, Zion Methodist Church, Christ Episcopal Church, and Massaponax Baptist Church. , (Picture caption, lower left): In the early 1800s growing population and differences over religious doctrine and the use of alcohol spawned new congregations in Spotsylvania. Today wartime structures remain at Massaponax, Salem, Christ, Berea, and Zion. , (Picture caption, lower right): Massaponax Church served briefly as Union Gen. Ulysses Grant’s headquarters in May 1864. Soldiers left graffiti on the walls at both Massaponax and Salem (left).