A few blocks away from downtown Richmond is the St. John's Episcopal Church. Picturesque to be sure, but otherwise not notable for this period, except for a couple of events that happened there.
It is a classic colonial era church with a small pipe organ and a three-level pulpit. Every Sunday during the summer, after noon services, there is a re-enactment that makes it something else entirely.
In late March, 1775, the second Virginia Convention was held in this church. There was nothing particularly ecumenical about this choice of meeting places. It was simply the only place in Richmond that could hold the delegates in attendance. It was here that Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech in support of his motion to raise a Virginia militia. This gentleman gave an excellent portrayal of that moment. If you wish to see the full text, it is available here.
These gentlemen portrayed Peyton Randolph (red jacket), who chaired the convention, and Edmund Pendleton. Pendleton, a moderate, was the most eloquent spokesman in opposition to Henry's motion. No one, however, was in the same league with Henry. Afterward, Pendleton worked ardently in support of the revolution, instructing his delegate, Richard Henry Lee, to propose a resolution that later became the Declaration of Independence.
"Thomas Jefferson" and "Thomas Nelson" relax after the session. Both rose in support of Henry's resolution. Nelson electrified the convention by declaring that should the British attempt to advance on his land, he would "await no order, nor obey any order to refrain" from attacking.
"George Washington" was also in attendance at this convention. He rose in support of Henry's resolution and made himself available to lead the militia.
These two young ladies speak with "Richard Henry Lee" one of the only brothers (the other was Francis L, "Lighthorse Harry", Lee) who signed the Declaration of Independence. We loved the stars and stripes ribbons they wore in their hair, but wonder at what the founders would have thought of their " summer wear".
As with many of the churches of this era, there is an associated graveyard. One of those interred here was Samuel Wythe, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Another was Elizabeth Arnold Poe, mother of Edgar Allen Poe. Thespians were not held in high regard at the time, so she was buried as far from the church as possible.
One of those buried here was Charlie, the Church Cat. It seems that his mistress had to move to England and could not take Charlie with her. Since Charlie hung out most of the time in the church yard, she left a grant to take care of Charlie. There probably aren't too many churches that have a line item in the budget for maintenance of the church cat.
By the way, in case you are wondering, the second thing that happened here was that a British expedition, under the command of the, by this time British, General Benedict Arnold, used this Church as their headquarters until their withdrawal after a few days occupation.
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