Vintage Church in Lancaster County, VA - 1930

This vintage photograph captures a significant church structure located in Lancaster County, Virginia, near Lively. Originally erected in 1669, the church has undergone numerous changes, including a reconstruction in 1740-41. After being abandoned for a generation following 1800, it was restored around 1830. The image highlights the nave and chancel, which are in a ruinous state, with bricks connecting the transepts to form a rectangular building.

The church holds historical importance as it served the Ball family, ancestors of President George Washington. This connection adds to its significance within the context of early American history. The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a project aimed at documenting the rich architectural heritage of the region.

Published in Henry Irving Brocks Colonial Churches in Virginia in 1930, this image represents an essential piece of Virginias colonial past and architectural evolution. The church stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of early American settlements.