Home > Resources > Historic Polegreen Church Foundation Lecture Series -- 2006

Historic Polegreen Church Foundation Lecture Series -- 2006

Rev. Samuel Davies Returns to Hanover

Dan Roberts, host of the nationally syndicated history program, A Moment in Time, will delve into the mind of the Rev. Samuel Davies on Sunday, 5 November at 2:30 at Polegreen Church site on Rural Point Road in Hanover County. Roberts will don the robes of Davies and present extracts of some of his most notable sermons to explore the values and beliefs of this challenger to religious orthodoxy.

Davies was minister to seven dissenting congregations in Virginia from 1747 to 1759. In order to do so, he was obliged to petition an often reluctant colonial government for a license to preach. His arguments in support of his calling and for religious toleration in general often put him at odds with the colony's leadership, but it would be a mistake to define him as a malcontent, constantly stirring up trouble. True, Davies distinguished himself as a challenger to the status quo but he occasionally found himself allied with the government. His support of the French and Indian War and ability to mobilize volunteers for Virginia’s regiments caused Governor Dinwiddie to label him "the best recruiter in the colony."

Now, don’t be put off by that word "sermon." Davies was a master at penning -- and delivering -- messages that were both eloquent and passionate. Listening to his words, his phrasing, his ability to organize and explain his position offers an audience the opportunity to understand why he was one of the most effective orators in British America (a view shared late in life by Patrick Henry, himself no slouch when it came to oratory.)

And Dan Roberts is no stranger to the pulpit either. While in college he began work as a Presbyterian minister. Professional training at Princeton Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity, 1974) was followed by pastorates in West Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina. His work as a minister was recognized in August, 1986 when he was invited to serve as Guest Chaplain of the United States Senate.

Mr. Roberts is perhaps best known as the host and executive producer of A Moment in Time and Climbing Jacob's Ladder, two historical radio programs originating at 88.9 FM, WCVE, Richmond. These programs, heard by over three million listeners per day, are broadcast on over 140 public radio stations in the United States, XM and Sirius Satellite Networks, plus the 400 stations of the Armed Forces Radio Network. He is heard regularly on the English language broadcasts of the Voice of America. He is currently Associate Professor of Liberal Arts and History at the University of Richmond.

Read the Review

Mechanicsville, VA -- Historic Polegreen Church Foundation presented Dan Roberts, host and producer of the popular public radio show A Moment in Time, in a program about the life and significance of Reverend Samuel Davies on Sunday, November 5, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. at the church site on Rural Point Road in Hanover County. Roberts with his unique style and enthusiasm for making history interesting interpreted Rev. Samuel Davies. "The coolness of the weather was compensated for by the warmth of Professor Roberts' presentation. We thought that he did a great job and greatly enjoyed it! I hope that you all will continue to have presentations like that, from time to time," said one attendee from Beaverdam. Approximately 85 Hanoverians and metro area history buffs attended this family-friendly event.

In colonial Virginia the state church was Anglican or the Church of England. At the request of dissenting Hanover County residents a newly ordained 23-year-old Presbyterian minister from Pennsylvania arrived in 1747 to pastor four congregations recently licensed by the government. Their minister was Rev. Samuel Davies, at that time the first non-Anglican minister licensed to preach in Virginia.

With a reputation for having no peer as a pulpit orator in Virginia, or perhaps in all the colonies, during his lifetime, Rev. Davies made a remarkable contribution to the religious and political climate of the colony. Among his achievements was his pioneering effort in the education of black slaves. Moreover young Patrick Henry worshipped at Polegreen with his mother, a Hanover dissenter, during the twelve years Davies was in Virginia. The fact the Henrys worshipped at Polegreen is noteworthy since Patrick's namesake and Uncle was the Anglican priest for St. Paul's parish which included Hanover County. Before his death Henry credited Davies with "teaching me what an orator should be." Scholars also attribute much of Henry's political philosophy to Davies' freedom-loving Scottish roots.

In 1990 the Historic Polegreen Church Foundation, under the leadership of Dr. Bob Bluford, began its work to preserve the site now marked by the well-known steel skeleton that outlines the original dimensions of the meetinghouse. Due to the enthusiasm of the local residents as well as the state historical community, the mission of this non-profit has grown to interpret Davies and the dissenter's role in the evolution of our 1 st amendment religious and civil freedoms. Enhanced programming is in store for 2007. Polegreen is currently looking to partner with other Metro Richmond organizations to cultivate discussions about freedom’s future, tourism and opportunities for regional economic development.

"Polegreen Church is more than just a historic site in Hanover County. I encourage everyone to come and learn and see where the human struggle for true religious freedom, tolerance and liberty began," said Christopher Peace. The Foundation announced Peace as its new Executive Director on Sunday. When Peace is not working for Polegreen, he is committed to serving the people of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County in the Virginia House of Delegates.