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Historic Pleasant Grove Church, built by descendants of freed slaves, is an outstanding example of 19th century Virginia vernacular architecture. In 1882 the congregation, led by Samuel Sharper, began to raise funds to build a church. By 1893 they had enough money to purchase a piece of land and to start building. Lewis Henry Sharper, a master craftsman, did much of the carpentry. He was assisted by fellow church members who donated both their time and construction materials.
The building embodies their ideals in both design and craftsmanship. Following the Carpenter Gothic style commonly used for Virginia country churches, they produced a gem of a structure. It is a small but beautifully proportioned building. The lines are simple with no single overpowering element. Details, both interior and exterior, enhance the building’s purity of form. The belfry and spire are particularly fine.
Named for a descendant of the church founders, the Frances K. Moore Museum opened in 1998. It displays a unique collection of late nineteenth and early twentieth century household furnishings, tools, photographs and memorabilia from the Sharper family. The display is an excellent representation of everyday life in Northern Virginia agrarian communities.
Tours of the museum are available upon request or during public events. Contact us at 703-506-8270.
