In 1775 a convention was held in this historic church to deliberate upon the oppressive measures adopted by the British government for enforcing the collection of taxes levied upon the Colonies. Many members of the convention hesitated to commit Virginia to any act of resistance, but Patrick Henry though only 39 years old flashed the electric spark which exploded the colony in revolution, when he exclaimed with fiery eloquence. "Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid Almighty God I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death." During the delivery of this immortal speech Henry stood in pew 72, now marked by white tablet shown in this view.
