Homecoming at Olivet Church

Sunday, May 15, was the 146th Memorial Service for Olivet Presbyterian Church. According to the "Brief History of Olivet Church":

This church is shown on the records of the old Hanover Presbytery as New Kent Church which is next to the oldest church in the Presbytery. It was organized in 1766, probably by the Reverend David Rice, pastor of Hanover Church, with twenty-seven members. Services are thought to have been held in a building near the Hanover line.

The church was re-organized in the early 1800's and regular worship was established in the Colonial Church of St. Peter's. The latter had at this time fallen into decay and was repaired and preserved by the Presbyterians. 

In 1856, the site of an early Methodist meeting house named Mt. Olivet was purchased for $50. The present building, costing $1300, was dedicated on the third Sunday in November, 1856.

In 1868, the daughter church, Bethany in Charles City County, was formed by members living in that county.

In 1870, the first annual Memorial Day was observed on the Saturday before the third Sunday in May.

In 1936, the congregation was moved to Providence Forge. The building and cemetery were preserved by the Olivet Historical Society which, in 1945, became The Society for the Preservation of Olivet Church and Cemetery in New Kent County.

We participated in the worship service and "dinner on the grounds".

Olivet Presbyterian Church in New Kent County

Dinner on the grounds

Dinner on the grounds

 Patti grew up in and was a member of Providence Forge Presbyterian Church, so it was nice to be able to participate in this event that was a fond memory from her childhood.