Architecturally, Dudley's Chapel is significant as one of only two 18th century churches remaining in Queen Anne's County. It was built in 1783, and represents a simple yet graceful example
of the small, brick parish churches built throughout the Tidewater region during the 18th century.
Of particular interest are the three recessed brick relieving arches on the front gable, reminiscent and perhaps anticipating the work of the
neo-classical movement popularized in the early 19th century.
This is a very simple and unpretentious building, made even plainer by a series of renovations and
repairs undertaken periodically throughout the nineteenth century.
The most
significant change to the exterior of the building was the application of a coat of
stucco in 1883, covering all of the original brickwork, and also hiding evidence of
alterations to the windows and one door.
The interior of the church is a single large room, with the pulpit in the center of
the east wall and a gallery at the west end.
A small vestibule for the front door and
the stair is partitioned off below the gallery.
The gallery has been closed off and the stair removed, but sufficient evidence
remains to trace the original location in the northwest corner of the building.
The church is not connected to any power source, and one of my readers told me that they have a candle-light Christmas service each year, which must be magical. The church is heated by two wood stoves.
Link to Medusa.
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