Wetipquin Chapel

Origins and Early Trustees: Wetipquin Chapel, built around 1825 for religious worship, has a rich history rooted in the local community. On January 28, 1826, Covington Mezick and his wife Leah Mezick deeded ¼ acre of land to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first trustees were James Dashiell (son of William Dashiell), Covington Cordray, Benjamin Dashiell, Levin Mezick, and William Messick (son of Covington Messick).

Building Features and Changes: Originally, the church included a gallery for slaves at the rear, facing the altar. This gallery was removed by 1906. In 1912, the benches in the cemetery were aligned parallel to the road under the direction of Stengle Messick.

Ownership and Maintenance: In 1963, the trustees of the Wetipquin Chapel conveyed the property to the Quantico Methodist Episcopal Church, a transaction confirmed in 1976. Despite this ownership change, the Wetipquin community took on the responsibility for all maintenance and expenses. Key contributors over the years have included George and Mary Furbush, Howard and Edna Hambury, Jerry Denisof, Jane and Donald Harner, and Barbara and Fendley Phillips, among others.