Updated September 3, 2023
Overview
Virginia's General Court confirmed the establishment of St Peter's Parish on April 29, 1679. In the summer of 1700 the vestry ordered that a second Lower Church replace an earlier, structurally weak building known as the Broken Back'd Church. The new church, begun in 1701, was in use by July 1703. To-day it is the oldest parish church in the Diocese of Virginia and the third oldest in the Commonwealth.
Martha Dandridge, who would later become the wife of Col. George Washington, was born at Chestnut Grove on June 2, 1731. She married Col. Daniel Parke Custis, a member of the vestry and former churchwarden in June 1749. Her father, Major John Dandridge, had also served as churchwarden and vestryman, and her great-grandfather had been the first rector of nearby Bruton Parish. After eight years of marriage she was widowed with two surviving children.
On the sixth of January 1759 the Rector of St Peter's Parish, the Rev'd Mr. David Mossom, solemnized the marriage of Col. George Washington and the Widow Custis. It has always been assumed that another future First-Lady, Letitia Christian, later the wife of President John Tyler, was baptized in the parish church in 1790.
The original portion of St Peter's Parish Church is one of the few Jacobean structures in America and its 1740 stump tower is also rare. The body of the church is laid in English bond as are only three other colonial Virginia churches. In the church-yard are a number of colonial tombs, and the parish still its Vestry Book (1684-1758) and Register (1685-1786).
The parish was represented by Col. William H. Macon at the first Convention of the Diocese of Virginia in 1785. From 1843 when the vestry reorganized and called the Rev'd Edwin A. Dalrymple as rector, Episcopalians and Presbyterians somewhat as one congregation until 1856 by alternating the Liturgy from Sunday to Sunday.
During the War Between the States the church was desecrated by Federal troops. General Robert E. Lee, whose wife was Mary Ann Randolph Custis -- Martha Washington's great-granddaughter -- wrote on October 23, 1869 that *St Peter's is the church where General Washington was married and attended in early life. It would be a shame to America if allowed to go to destruction.*His son, General William Henry Fitzhugh Lee, superintended the work of restoring the old church, contributed needed lumber, and furnished teams and hands for the hauling.
The 1689 Processioning shows Richard Gilliam living near Mrs [Alice] Butts. According to Old New Kent County [Virginia]: Some Account of the Planters, Plantations, and Places Volume I, By Malcolm Harris, Mrs Alice Butts, lived near the Old Church which was closed when the present St Peter's Church was erected in 1703. This suggests the Richard Gilliam also lived near the Old Church.
Nota Bene: The Register and Vestry Entries have been combined in Chronological Order
1687, August 25:
John, son, of Richard GILLAM baptised
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 357
1689, May 4
Present:
Gideon Macon, Thom. Mitchell, Mr. Hen. Wyatt, Corn' Dabnie, James Moss. John Ropor, Will Bassett - Church
Wardens:
In pursuance of an Act of Assembly enjoyning ye Remarking of each man's land in each particular parish once in four years.
It is ordered by this present vestry in obedience to an order of New Kent County Court, bearing date ye 28 day of Febroary, 1689, ye date vestry doe putt their parishes into precincts and appoint a time for ye prosessioning and Remarking ye bounds of each man's land.
It is, therefore, ordered by this present vestry y't Charles Turner, Clk. of them, doe forthwith proportion ye persons within ye s'd parish of St. Peter's to go on prosessioning sometime between ye tenth day of this present May and ye tenth day of June next, and y't all of ye s'd orders be forthwith issued out and be delivered to ye s'd persons therein concerned
It is ordered likewise y't Mr. John Ropor & Mr. Will. Basset, Church wardens, or either of them do agree with Mr. Williams, minister, to officiate once a month at each church on any day y't ye s'd Mr. Williams & ye Church wardens shall fix.
It is ordered by this vestry y't Mr. David Craford, Mr. John Parke, Mr. Will. Bassett, Mr. George Smith do show a just reason for their appearing at this present vestry, otherwise be fined 50 Lbs. of Tobb. & Cask, each person according to a former agreement made and recorded, & ye reason to be shown at ye next vestry.
Per me, Charles Turner, Clk of Vestry. Gideon Macon, James Moss, Thom. Mitchell, John Ropor, Corn. Dabonie, Will. Bassett. Henry Wyatt,
The several persons named in Companys y't were ordered to prosession & to Remark ye bounds of each man's land:
Viz.:
Capt. Joseph Forster, Mr Jno Roper, Mr Wm Bassett, Mrs Eliz Littlepage, Wm Harman & Edmond Bedford)
Nich Cox [Colonial Dames reads Will Cox], Jno Parks, Jun, Mrs Pierce & Mr. Conding)
Mr. Poindexter, Senr, Mr. Poindexter, Junr, John Vaughn, Jno Epecon, Jno Spurlock, ffran. Day, Will Hodges, Robt Speare)
Richd Joanes, Steph Moon, Wm Beck [Colonial Dames reads Book], Edw [Colonial Dames reads Dow], Walton, Rich. GILLAM, Mrs Butts [Colonial Dames reads Botts], Jno Waddell)
Wm Moss, Mr. Alford, Mr Geo Smith, Wm Major, Hen. Green, Mr. Lightfoot)
Mr. Mason, David Clarkston, Mrs. Workman, Mr Pasley, Wm Millington, Mr. Clayton, Thom Jackson, Wm. Stone, Jno Paine, Thos Wilkins, Thos Mackgehe [Colonial Dames reads Markgold], Steph Crump)
[Groups are separated by parenthesis in Chamberlayne, it appears the groups are in same processioning]
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. Parish Register of Saint Peter's, New Kent County, Virginia, 1680-1787. Richmond, VA: Clearfield Co, 1904, page 17
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 20
1690, Aug 29
Elizabeth, daughter of Richard GILLAM baptised
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 357
1698, July 10
Where as Capt Thomas Bray by the Information of will Hughes hath informed this vestry that there is a man Child Lately brought to the House of Richard Gillum in this parish: and no parents Can be found for the Same: the Church wardens are there for ordered forth with to take Care that the Said Child be returned to the place from whence it Came or to Caus the Said Gillum to give Good Securitie to Save ______e parish harmles.
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. Parish Register of Saint Peter's, New Kent County, Virginia, 1680-1787. Richmond, VA: Clearfield Co, 1904, page 46
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 58
1699, March 26
William, son of Richard and Margaret Gillum baptised
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 357
1701, Nov 2
Margaret, daughter of Richard Gillum, Bap.
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 358
1705, Apr 1:
Rich, son of Rich GILLAM, bap.
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 358
170(?), Epaphroditus, Son of Rich GILLAM.
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 358
1711, Jan 27
James, son of John Guillam Baptised.
Born Dec 1710
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 358
1713, Feb 15
Richard Guilam died
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 431
1715, Feb 20
Agnes, daughter of John Guillam born. Xned Mar 21
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 358
171__ March 5th
John Son of Jn Guilam Born
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 359
At a Vestry held at James Taylor’s Dwelling House for St. Peter’s Parish, april ye 27th 1715
1715, Apr 27
Ordered that John Guilam Shall Keep Rich Collam for five hundred pounds of Tobacco one year. Provided sell: Walker will not Keep him for ye Same
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. Parish Register of Saint Peter's, New Kent County, Virginia, 1680-1787. Richmond, VA: Clearfield Co, 1904, page 118
1715, Nov 21
To John Guilam for keeping Elis Johnsons, Child, 00250.
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. Parish Register of Saint Peter's, New Kent County, Virginia, 1680-1787. Richmond, VA: Clearfield Co, 1904, page 119
At a Vestry held at the Parish Church of St. Peter’s on the 29 day of September 1721
Ordered that Jno. Guillam, have 800 lb of Tobo for keeping eliz Johnson.
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. Parish Register of Saint Peter's, New Kent County, Virginia, 1680-1787. Richmond, VA: Clearfield Co, 1904, page 131
At a Vestry held at the Parish Church of St. Peter’s on the Second day of September 1722
Ordered that Marg’t Guillam have 600 lb of Tobacco for keeping Rebecca Spurlock.
Ordered that Jno. Guillam, have 800 lb of Tobo for keeping eliz Johnson.
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. Parish Register of Saint Peter's, New Kent County, Virginia, 1680-1787. Richmond, VA: Clearfield Co, 1904, page 133
At a Vestry held for St Peter’s Parish Sep’r 30th, 1723
To Jno GILLIAM for keeping Eliz. Jnoson, 815; Tho Howl for Keeping Edm’d Bedford 1515 . . .
To Ste. Moone, Eliz. Scruggs, ___ Marg’t GILLIAM ____ Mr. Wm. Waddill __ _____ 2991
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. Parish Register of Saint Peter's, New Kent County, Virginia, 1680-1787. Richmond, VA: Clearfield Co, 1904, page 137
1724, Oct 26:
Richard, son born to William Guilliam,
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 465
At a Vestry held for St. Peter’s parish June 13th, 1724
To Marg’t Guilliam for keeping Spurlock, Sam’l Bugg for keeping Edm. Bedford 1450
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. Parish Register of Saint Peter's, New Kent County, Virginia, 1680-1787. Richmond, VA: Clearfield Co, 1904, pages 139 and 140
At A Vestry held for St. Peter’s p’sh 7br 29th, 1724
To Jno. GILLIAM for keep Eliz. Johnson, 650
Rich’d Crump for the work at ye Church, 350
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 193
At A Vestry held for St. Peter’s p’sh 7br 29th, 1724
Ordered ye Jno Guilliam be allowed 495 pr annum for Eliz Johnson
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 195
1724/25, Mar 24:
Elizabeth, wife of William GILLIAM died,
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 431
At A Vestry held for St. Peter’s p’sh 7br 29th, 1725
Ordered ye Jno Guilliam be allowed 300 lb of Tob’co pr annum for keeping Henry Dike
To Jno GILLIAM for Keeping Eliz Johnson, Amy Morgan for keeping Jno Goodman, 250 . . . 745
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. Parish Register of Saint Peter's, New Kent County, Virginia, 1680-1787. Richmond, VA: Clearfield Co, 1904, page 142
1725 7b 29th:
To Jn GILLIAM for Keeping Eliz Johnson. 495.
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 198
1725/26, Feb 12
Margaret Guilliam died
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 431
At a Vestry held for St. Peter’s Parish, 7ber ye 29th, 1726
To Jno Guiliam for keeping Hen. Dike & for his burial 230; Major Thornton’s fees, 200 450
To Sam’l Bugg for Keeping Ed’d Bedford, To be paid to Epa’e Guilliams, Mr. Wm. Waddill his acct., 79 574
To Epa’r Guilliam for making clothes for Bedford, 40; Mr. Geo. Poindexter his acct. 180
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. Parish Register of Saint Peter's, New Kent County, Virginia, 1680-1787. Richmond, VA: Clearfield Co, 1904, page 146 [Index reads page 145]
1726, Apr 7:
Elizabeth, daughter born to John Guilliam.
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 465
1728, Apr 25: Sarah, daughter born to John and Martha Guilliam.
Baptised May 26, 1728.
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 465
1729/30, March 2:
Richard Son of John & Martha GILLIAM born. Bap Easterday following.
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 466
1734, Feb 20:
Elizabeth Moony dy'd at John Guilliam's.
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 518
1735, Nov 22
William, son born to Richard and Rebecca Guilliam.
Baptised Dec 21, 1735
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 524
1737, Aug 29:
?? of Richard and Rebecca GILLIAM born.
Bap Octob 8.
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 547
1738, Apr 26:
Martha, daughter born to James and Ruth GILLIAM.
Bap June 26, 1738.
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 545
At a Vestry held for St. Peter’s Parish September the 28th, 1745
1745: To James GILLIAM for keeping an Orphan Child 9 months, 700.
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. Parish Register of Saint Peter's, New Kent County, Virginia, 1680-1787. Richmond, VA: Clearfield Co, 1904, page 199
1768, Jan 20
Epaphroditus, son born to William GILLIAM
Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937, page 569 [NB This entry appears again twice on page 573. The entry was noted in the original as being in wrong place as it was recorded among the "D" entries]
Sources
- Ancestry.com. New Kent County, Virginia St. Peter's Parish Vestry Book and Register, 1684-1786 [database online]. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2003.
- Chamberlayne, C.G., ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter's Parish New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia 1684-1786. Richmond, Va.: Library Board, 1937.
- National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. Parish Register of Saint Peter's, New Kent County, Virginia, 1680-1787. Richmond, VA: Clearfield Co, 1904.
- The Vestry and Register of St. Peter's Parish