Page 50 - WPA Book
P. 50
Works Project Administration – Articles from Rockingham County
CHURCHES
1. SUBJECT:
Chapel of Ease (Church site).
2. LOCATION:
One mile within suburb of Dayton, Virginia.
3. DATE:
Early in 1800.
4. OWNERS:
Town of Dayton, present owner.
5. DESCRIPTION:
This was one of the first Episcopal Churches in the Valley. Built of native brick, with a lime stone foundation.
This building was razed a half century ago and moved three and five-tenths miles east of Dayton, Virginia, and
re-erected but of more modern construction and architecture, hence the name “New” Erection.
6. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
The Dayton site of this chapel of ease is now covered by the waters of Crystal Lake, made by an artificial dam,
which water also covers an early cemetery, from which only a few of the persons buried there were removed;
hence, this beautiful lake of crystal water has never passed the test for purity and is not used for drinking
purposes. Yet it is a beautiful body of clear, sparkling water, teaming with fine fish, which is a favorable resort
for fisherman during the spring season, although the fishing is done under very strict rules, and in abeyance of
all state laws.
7. ART:
None.
8. SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
Informants: Mr. Ruebush.
An Early Virginia History. [No author was indicated.]
March 26, 2024 W.A. Byerly
Bridgewater, VA
Page 49 of 482
CHURCHES
1. SUBJECT:
Chapel of Ease (Church site).
2. LOCATION:
One mile within suburb of Dayton, Virginia.
3. DATE:
Early in 1800.
4. OWNERS:
Town of Dayton, present owner.
5. DESCRIPTION:
This was one of the first Episcopal Churches in the Valley. Built of native brick, with a lime stone foundation.
This building was razed a half century ago and moved three and five-tenths miles east of Dayton, Virginia, and
re-erected but of more modern construction and architecture, hence the name “New” Erection.
6. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
The Dayton site of this chapel of ease is now covered by the waters of Crystal Lake, made by an artificial dam,
which water also covers an early cemetery, from which only a few of the persons buried there were removed;
hence, this beautiful lake of crystal water has never passed the test for purity and is not used for drinking
purposes. Yet it is a beautiful body of clear, sparkling water, teaming with fine fish, which is a favorable resort
for fisherman during the spring season, although the fishing is done under very strict rules, and in abeyance of
all state laws.
7. ART:
None.
8. SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
Informants: Mr. Ruebush.
An Early Virginia History. [No author was indicated.]
March 26, 2024 W.A. Byerly
Bridgewater, VA
Page 49 of 482
