Like the mighty Roanoke's
tea-colored depths, the legacy of faith and worship are deep in the
culture of Washington County. From the earliest English settlers
through the traditions of Africans on antebellum plantations to
today's multicultural society, faith and worship remains the
cornerstone of our culture.
Pettigrew Chapel, the earliest established church in the county, was
established by Charles Pettigrew around the end of the 18th century
to serve the area around Belgrade and Bonarva Plantations. It grew
into what we know today as St. David's Episcopal Church in Creswell,
now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Soon after,
in 1810, Concord Primitive Baptist Church was constructed.
Most of the existing houses of worship in Washington County are more
than a century old. Each tells a unique story of our county, our
country and the families who, for generations, have celebrated souls
born, born again and laid to rest in the warmth and security of
their churches and churchyards. Visitors may discover a long-lost
ancestor in some of these ancient and accessible church grave yards.
Or, they may simply enjoy the serene solitude enveloping these
moss-draped eternal gardens. A fine array of statues, vaults and
ironwork dates back over two centuries and adds an artistic presence
to the atmosphere.
For well over two centuries, the legacy of faith in Plymouth, Roper,
Creswell and surrounding countryside has stood the test of time,
changing governments, domestic and foreign wars, and changing
economies. With roots so firmly planted, this legacy is sure to hold
fast in the future, no matter what storms may bring.