Sapony Episcopal Church and Cemetery

Dinwiddie County, Virginia

 

Photos contributed by Carol Morrison — 2006

 

Established between 1725 and 1726, Sapony Episcopal Church is one of Virginia's oldest surviving colonial churches. Located just south of Sappony Creek near McKenney, this modest one-story, three-bay frame structure has served as a spiritual anchor for the local community for nearly three centuries.

The church underwent renovations in the 19th century, including the addition of a vestry room and repairs following a partial structural collapse in 1869. Much of the original colonial craftsmanship remains, including paneled wainscoting, sections of original pews, and a rare trestle communion table.

From 1763 to 1801, the church was led by the Rev. Devereux Jarrett, a prominent preacher influenced by the Great Awakening. His revivalist ministry and writings—most notably A Brief Narrative of the Revival of Religion in Virginia (1778)—left a lasting impact. He and his wife are buried beneath the church floor.

Adjacent to the church lies the Sapony Cemetery, the final resting place for generations of parishioners. The earliest known burial beneath the church occurred in 1800, reflecting the site's long-standing importance to the community.

Sapony Episcopal Church has long been recognized for its colonial origins, architectural character, and continued presence in the Dinwiddie County community. Its significance is reflected in its inclusion on state and national registers and through a prominent roadside marker.

• Virginia Landmarks Register: Listed in 1975.
• National Register of Historic Places: Added in 1976, with full nomination documentation available.
• Virginia Historical Highway Marker (S-40): Installed at the intersection of Shippings Road (Route 709) and McKenney Highway (Route 40), commemorating the church’s early 18th-century roots and community role. View the marker.

John R. Taylor View Full Size Transcription: In Memory of / JOHN R. TAYLOR / April 6, 1875 / June 21, 1948 / AT RREST

Latonta Taylor View Full Size Transcription: In Memory of / Latonia Taylor / Oct. 13, 1878 / Sept. 11, 1932 / AT REST / Father's Children

Rubin W. Taylor View Full Size Transcription: RUBIN W. TAYLOR / 1902 / 1959

Richard E. Fleming View Full Size Transcription: RICHARD E. FLEMING / APR. 17, 1875 / JAN. 2, 1955

Ida W. Fleming View Full Size Transcription: IDA W. FLEMING / MAY 4, 1867 / SEPT 1, 1951

Florence W. Fleming View Full Size Transcription: FLORENCE W. FLEMING / AUG. 20 1879 / MAY 12, 1916

Abner V. Wells View Full Size Transcription: ABNER V. / WELLS / MAR 11, 1882 / APR 28, 1917

[unreadable] Wells View Full Size Transcription: Outside of being able to read Wells, the rest of the image is unreadable.

Frances L. Wells View Full Size Transcription: FRANCES L. / WELLS / MAR. 17, 1920 / SEPT. 19, 1925 / [UNREADABLE]

Calvin Southall Wells View Full Size Transcription: CALVIN SOUTHALL WELLS / MAR. 31, 1917 / AUG. 25, 1987 / GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Irma Mae Wells View Full Size Transcription: IRMA MAE WELLS / MAR. 31, 1893 / MAR. 26, 1954 / GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

F. Woodley Wells View Full Size Transcription: F. WOODLEY WELLS / JAN. 18, 1889 / MAR. 4, 1970 / GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Edward Berzin Regen View Full Size Transcription: EDWARD BERZIN REGEN / SEPTEMBER 23, 1927 / JULY 1, 1984

Matthew B. Pierce, Sr. View Full Size Transcription: MATTHEW B. PIERCE SR / 1902 1970

Annie L. Pierce View Full Size Transcription: ANNIE L. PIERCE / 1919 1982

Last Updated: July 26, 2026

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