Yeocomico Church
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Yeocomico Church
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| Nearest city | Tucker Hill, Virginia |
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| Coordinates | 38°3′44.5″N 76°35′49.7″W / 38.062361°N 76.597139°WCoordinates: 38°3′44.5″N 76°35′49.7″W / 38.062361°N 76.597139°W |
| Area | 15 acres (6.1 ha) |
| Architect | Unknown |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| NRHP reference # | 69000331 |
| VLR # | 096-0031 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | November 12, 1969 |
| Designated NHL | April 15, 1970 |
| Designated VLR | September 9, 1969 |
Yeocomico Church is a historic Episcopal church in Westmoreland County in the U.S. state of Virginia. The original wooden structure was built in 1655, but replaced in 1706 by a structure built of locally fired bricks. It is now the main church of historic Cople parish, which also includes the older Nomini Church (already existing in 1699, but in infrequent use for at least the last century and damaged by a tornado in February 2016), and St. James Church (built 1890) in Tidwells, Virginia The parish hall is in Hague, Virginia. Yeocomico Church, the fourth oldest in the state, was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
The historic cemetery includes several bishops and author John Dos Passos.
According to local tradition, the church became barracks during the American Revolution and was, like most other Anglican churches in Virginia, abandoned after either the Revolution or Episcopal Church's disestablishment circa 1794. American soldiers reportedly slaughtered animals in the courtyard and used the communion table as a chopping block, although its surface was later restored. By the War of 1812, the church had fallen into ruin and an “American patrol” used the baptismal fort as a drinking bowl, so that it was carried away and found on a nearby farm. They also allegedly made unspecified repairs to the brick walls.
In 1838, when bishop William Meade visited, the church showed evidence of few repairs although the original roof may have been present. In 1844, a local congregation of Methodists sued to take possession of the church, but it legally reverted to the Episcopalians who continue its use as an active congregation. Services are held on Sundays at 11:00, and the church is also open the last Saturday of summer months from 10:00 to 12:00 for guided tours. Major repairs to the brickwork, windows, and roof ware performed in 1928 and an initial plaque was installed above the chancel’s round window. Electricity was added in 1947 and a heating system in 1949. The roof shingles were replaced in 1954. Ameslee Hall, the new vestry hall with architectural features compatible with Yeocomico Church, was added several years ago.
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