Lynnhaven Parish
Entries from 1723 - 1829
Lynnhaven Parish was established in 1640. Originally, the parish included the whole of Princess Anne County. This county had origins in the early corporation of Elizabeth City, one of the four 'ancient boroughs' which, together with the Eastern Shore settlement, comprised the colony in 1618. In 1634, the colony was divided into 8 shires/counties. The first vestry for EACH PARISH was appointed at county court sessions of Juyly and August 1640. In 1642 the boundaries of Lynnhaven Parish were set by an Act of Assembly.
(In what year?,) the vestry orders the church to be called Old Donation, from the donation of the last colonial rector Robet Dickson, for a free school for orphan boys.
Image shows Donation Church, circa 1736. County record shows that "Parish Church at Lynnhaven" exists in 1639. Site of first church here is not known. Second church fell into the river after a canal had been cut. In 1736, a new church built on the site of the of the court building, was received by the vestry from the builder.
Restored in recent years. The only case of the ducking a witch recorded in Va. occurred at Ducking Point in this parish in 1698.
