St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Circa 1803

6750 Fayette Street

St. Paul's Episcopal Church is the oldest church now standing in Prince William County. Built in 1803 as a District Court House serving Prince William, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Fairfax.  In 1807 Circuit Courts were established and the General Assembly ordered that the building be sold.  The building was bought by the Hygeia Academy between 1812 and 1816, which failed under a load of debt.  It was then resold to William Skinker, Jr. in 1822, who laid out the Town of Haymarket.  The building was used for community meetings and church services by various denominations for several years; finally in 1830, it was deeded to the Episcopal Church by William Skinker, Jr. in memory of his wife.  

The church was used as a Confederate hospital during the first and second battles of Manassas (Bull Run).   The church was spared when Haymarket was burned on November 5, 1862, but was used as a stable for Northern cavalry horses.  Before they left, the Federal troops burned the building leaving only the walls standing.  The church was rebuilt and restored after the Civil War and has continued to serve a congregation ever since.