Suffolk Parish Church, Chuckatuck, VA, 1755 History

This vintage photograph captures the historic significance of a church located in Chuckatuck, Nansemond County, Virginia. Known as Suffolk Parish, this building was constructed in 1755 on the site of an earlier church that had fallen into ruin. Originally named St. Johns in 1845, it stands as a testament to the regions architectural history and religious heritage.

The church is notable for its distinct architectural features, including its gables and windows, which reflect the design trends of the time. The community surrounding Suffolk Parish maintained strict adherence to parish laws, requiring that individuals receiving aid display their parish name sewn onto their sleeve. This historical practice highlights the governance and social structure of the era.

Documented in the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, this image serves as a valuable resource for understanding Virginias colonial churches. The photograph was part of the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate and was published in 1930, contributing to the preservation of regional architectural history.