Historic Church in Lively, VA - Pre-1700 Building

This vintage photograph captures a historical church located in Lively, Lancaster County, Virginia. The structure, dating back to before 1700, underwent significant reconstruction in 1740-41 after the first church, built in 1669, was abandoned for a generation post-1800. The church was restored around 1830, with its nave and chancel in a ruinous state. Bricks were used to connect the transepts, resulting in a rectangular building.

The church holds historical significance as a place of worship for the Ball family, who were ancestors of George Washington. This connection adds depth to its historical narrative, revealing its role in the religious and social fabric of early Virginia. The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South and was included in the publication Colonial Churches in Virginia by Henry Irving Brock, released in 1930.

KNOWOLs historic images connect the rich stories and imagery of our past. A statement in any room, each is printed on museum-quality paper using a restored version of the original.