“The Great Awakening and its Effect on Middlesex County” is the title of a virtual lecture to be presented by the Rev. Dr. Robert W. Prichard at 4 p.m. Sunday. The virtual lecture is sponsored by the Middlesex County Museum and Historical Society.
A mid-18th century religious revival, the Great Awakening reshaped the religious landscape of America and contributed to the American Revolution. Middlesex County was a focal point of religious activity during the latter part of the 18th century as Baptists were establishing churches in the area. In 1771, Baptists William Webber, John Waller, Robert Ware and James Greenwood spent 46 days in jail in Middlesex County for preaching.
Prichard has deep ties to Middlesex County. His maternal grandfather, Fairfax Sheild McCandlish, was from Saluda.
Prichard, who grew up in Fairfax, has fond memories of regularly visiting family members and spending vacation times in Middlesex. Since 1926, Prichard’s family has owned Colonial-era Locust Grove Farm o...