411 E. Grace Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

(804) 648-8319

Historic Centenary in downtown Richmond and Trinity in the far west end are sister descendants of the

mother church that built its first building in Shockoe Bottom in 1799. In 1810 land was purchased for a

church on Shockoe Hill. In 1827 a larger church, named Trinity, was built in Shockoe Bottom. Later this

congregation moved to East Broad Street. The Methodist Meeting House on Shockoe Hill, located at

410 "I" Street (now Marshall), served the western section of the city until 1843. In 1839, to celebrate

Methodism's Centennial, Virginia Methodists raised money for a new church. The old "Meeting House"

became the new Centenary. Constructed in Tuscan style, the new church located at 411 E. Grace (then

"G" Street) was dedicated in June, 1843. Pews were rented to help pay for the building.

During the Civil War the first floor of the church (now the Fellowship Hall) was used as an emergency

hospital. In 1874 the building was made Gothic Revival in design and the present tower was erected. In

1877 the Ladies' Aid and Circle of Industry purchased the first pipe organ. Instrument and choir were in

the balcony at the front of the Nave (over the front door on Grace Street).

In 1882 twelve chime bells were hung in the tower. The largest bell weighs 4,000 pounds. It was pulled up

into its position in the tower by members of the congregation. As they pulled the hoisting rope they

marched up the street singing "Onward, Christian Soldiers". The bells were chimed for the first time on Easter Sunday, April 23, 1882 and are

still played daily.

Page 2 of Centenary’s History