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A CHANGING CHURCH

Historic city church building is for sale--once again

Date published: 3/3/2007

THE DRESS CODE mandated hats for all women and suits and ties for all men when this photo was taken in the 1930s at Fredericksburg's First Christian Church, at 1115 Caroline St.

Knickers and double-breasted sailor coats added options for the boys. Girls wore mostly skirts and anklets.

Fashions change, and so do congregations.

First Christian Church eventually built a new sanctuary at 1501 Washington Ave.--a stately presence across from the Mary Washington Monument.

Its vacated building went on to house various groups, including, most recently, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg. That congregation is now planning to build roomier quarters across the river on a tract near the Rappahannock Area YMCA off Butler Road.

There's a "For Sale" sign in front of the Caroline Street property, zoned commercial transitional. Randy Walther, a real-estate agent and member of the Unitarian congregation, said several prospective buyers have inquired, though only one or two are considering it for use as a church.

Built in 1833, the church was used as a hospital during the Civil War, and suffered extensive damage during the Battle of Fredericksburg.

After the war it was used as a warehouse for hay and grain, then as a school. According to a pamphlet on church history, "legend has it that the church was used as a mission by an Afro-American woman called Happy Jenny. The majority of those attending were white. Happy Jenny was assisted by a young girl called Cadet Ella in her meetings."

Reorganization after the war brought various challenges. Near the turn of the 20th century, it was named Main Street Christian Church, and the congregation began to grow again.

In 1927, the Rev. Hunter Newman, a recent graduate of Lynchburg College, was called as pastor and remained in the post for 37 years. As his congregation grew, so did the building, with additions of classrooms. In 1952, memorial windows were installed. They were later moved to the new church on Washington Avenue, built in 1962. Newman retired in 1964, to be succeeded by the Rev. E. Elwood Campbell, who remained in the position until he retired in 1991. The Rev. Gary Staddan is now senior minister.

The photo came from "Flashback" files and has been returned to First Christian Church.

--Jennifer Strobel

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Date published: 3/3/2007