St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

St. Paul’s Episcopal church was originally built in 1803 and functioned as a district court house that served Prince William, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Fairfax counties (St. Paul’s). In 1807, the circuit courts were established and the building was sold to Hydeia Academy (St. Paul’s). With issues regarding debt, the Hydeia Academy resold the property to William Skinner Jr in 1822 (St. Paul’s). For years the building was used for community meetings and church services of various denominations (St. Paul’s). However, in 1830, Skinner deeded the building to the Episcopal Church in memory of his late wife (St. Paul’s).

Since St. Paul’s Episcopal Church has existed for such a long time, it was around during the time of the Civil War. In fact, during the Civil War, throughout the first and second battles of Manassas, the church building was used as a Confederate hospital (St. Paul’s). Following the battles, on November 5th, 1862, the church was spared as the rest of the town of Haymarket burned (St. Paul’s). The church was spared so that the Union could use the building as a stable for their horses (St. Paul’s). However, when the Union troops were leaving the area and no longer had use for the building, they burned St. Paul’s (St. Paul’s). After the fire all that was left was the walls (St. Paul’s). After the destruction, the church was immediately rebuilt and has housed a congregation ever since (St. Paul’s).

“St. Paul's Episcopal Church.” The Town of Haymarket Virginia, https://www.townofhaymarket.org/museum/page/st-pauls-episcopal-church.