Community Corner

Frying Pan Farm Park's Spring Meeting House Becomes State, National Landmark

A ceremony was held Sunday to dedicate the House's new historical marker.

 

On Sunday, more than 100 visitors turned out for the dedication of a new historic marker at the Frying Pan Spring Meeting House in Herndon.

Built in 1791, the Frying Pan Spring Meeting House served as a hospital during the Civil War and boasts connections to Patrick Henry, James Madison and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Find out what's happening in Herndonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After surviving 200 years of changing land use, the Civil War and major 20th-century suburban growth, the Meeting House recently achieved designation as a Virginia Landmark and National Register of Historic Places site. The celebration marked the addition of the house’s historical plaque.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board, local officials and members of the community joined with the History Commission to dedicate the historic marker. Bill Bouie, Chariman of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board, gave welcoming remarks and introduced other speakers, Richard Crouch and Catherine Hudgins.

Find out what's happening in Herndonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Richard Crouch of the Frying Pan Farm Park Board gave a brief history of the Meeting House building and its significance to the Civil War.  Catherine Hudgins described the Baptist congregation that previously used the Meeting House before they deeded it to Fairfax County Park Authority.

Frying Pan Farm Park Board member and volunteer Betty Holman was also there to greet visitors. A volunteer at Frying Pan Park for 10 years, Holman was one of three persons who first began transcribing the minutes of the congregation that constructed and used the Meeting House.

“The Meeting House is so diverse to this area that I would love for people to know more about this site,” said Holman.

After the historic marker was unveiled, re-enactor and historian John McCaskill gave a presentation on the Emancipation Proclamation and the black military experience during the Civil War.  During the war, the Meeting House building was pressed into service as a field hospital for the sick and wounded by the Confederate Army.

Re-enactor Bill Scott with Black Horse Calvary Troop also attended and discussed the uses of cavalry during the Civil War period. Confederate cavalry General J.E.B. Stuart and Colonel John Singleton Mosby and their men often stopped near the Frying Pan Meeting House.

Historic items from sites such as the old Herndon Depot Museum were on display. The doors to the Meeting House were also opened for viewing and photography.

“The building is often closed to the public, but we hope people will come visit the grounds for the historic significance,” said Mr. Crouch.

The surrounding natural spring, baptismal pond, grounds and cemetery have maintained their integrity for over 200 years.

The Spring Meeting House is usually closed to the public, but tours can be scheduled in advance, and tour events are often held a couple of times each year.

Visit the County’s Frying Pan Farm Park page for more information.

- Article by Ryan Dunn

- Photos by Barbara Glakas

 

Were you in attendance at the event? What did you think of it? Tell us in the comments.

Also on Herndon Patch:

  • Herndon Robotics Teams Turn Out Some of the Country's Brightest Minds - and Get Your Robot Tomatoes!
  • Virginia to Fund New Herndon Cybersecurity Incubator
  • Remembering Herndon's History: The Crounse Family
  • Herndon Mom: Youth Sports are Getting Out of Control
  • Lyrid Meteor Shower Peak 2013: Where and When to Watch
  • Now Open in Herndon: Thali Express Indian Restaurant

Stay informed on the latest crime, news and events in your local neighborhood - follow Patch!

Sign up for Herndon Patch’s daily newsletter
"Like" us on Facebook
"Follow" us on Twitter

Want to share your opinions with the Herndon community? Start your own blog here.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here