The Nottoway Presbyterian Church was built in 1837 by Theodorick Pryor, D.D.
“The church building was a plain box-like structure built of brick with a shingle roof, and long windows with many small panes. A gallery for servants was built at the rear of the building.”
In 1890, renovations were made by Judge William Hodges Mann, later governor of Virginia. He added a vestibule at the east side and extended the west side for the pulpit; he removed the gallery and replaced the two doors that were originally at the entrance with a single door.
Dr. Pryor and his wife Frances (Fannie) Fitzgerald are buried at the front of the church under the pulpit.
Hurricane Hazel nearly destroyed the building in 1954, but through the efforts of the church’s eight members of the time, it was saved.
Hurricane Hazel nearly destroyed the building in 1954, but through the efforts of the church’s eight members of the time, it was saved.
On August 5, 1974, the church was deeded by Hanover Presbytery to the Nottoway County Historical Society.
The Presbyterian Historical Society has established the American Presbyterian Reformed Historical Sites Registry to mark important places “which in time have become memorable through association with important church institutions, personalities, events and developments.”
All sites considered for registration must be historically authenticated to the satisfaction of the Presbytery in which the site is located before consideration by the Historical Sites Committee of the Presbyterian Historical Society.
The individually numbered marker mounted on the site is highlighted by a colored enamel likeness of John Calvin’s seal: a hand offering up the flaming heart in zeal and dedication to Christ.
The Nottoway Presbyterian Church has been entered in the Historical Sited Registry as entry No. 196.
“Old Brick” is available for rent for weddings, church services, or other events.