St. John's Episcopal Church

St. John’s Episcopal Church, established in 1741 in Richmond, Virginia, holds a defining place in the story of the American Revolution. It was here, in March 1775, that the Second Virginia Convention convened, gathering leading Patriots including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, and Patrick Henry. The church became the stage for Henry’s legendary speech ending with the words, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” — a fiery call to arms that helped persuade the delegates to authorize Virginia’s militia and prepare for war. This moment marked one of the Revolution’s great turning points, as Virginia committed itself to the cause of independence.

During the Revolutionary years, St. John’s stood as more than a place of worship; it was a forum where faith, politics, and the ideals of liberty came together. The decision to raise troops from Virginia directly influenced the colony’s military leadership, sending men like Henry, Washington, and other Virginians into the forefront of the struggle. From within its wooden walls, the movement for independence gathered momentum, inspiring Virginians to commit to sacrifice and resistance.

Today, St. John’s Episcopal Church is preserved as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can step inside the 18th-century sanctuary, walk the surrounding graveyard where notable early Americans are buried, and attend reenactments of Henry’s famous speech. The church remains both an active parish and a powerful historic site, offering a direct connection to the debate, drama, and determination that helped launch the Revolution.