URGENT UPDATE: A centuries-old church in Virginia Beach has just requested to be removed from its historic zoning designation, sparking intense debate among city officials. The Nimmo United Methodist Church, recognized as the oldest continuously used Methodist church in the United States, seeks this change due to escalating costs associated with necessary repairs and improvements.
During a critical meeting on December 3, 2023, the Planning Commission heard the church’s request to exit the Nimmo Church Historical and Cultural District. If approved, this move would also dismantle the entire district, raising concerns about the preservation of the area’s historical integrity. Currently, the city has 16 Historical and Cultural Districts safeguarding structures from the Colonial era through the 20th century.
Mark Reed, the city’s historic preservation planner, reported that the church’s request stems from “significant material and labor costs” that have become financially burdensome. The Historical Review Board and the Historic Preservation Commission have both denied the church’s request, emphasizing that granting it would set a concerning precedent for future alterations within historic districts.
Commissioner Bryan Plumlee underscored the importance of the issue, stating, “It’s an important issue affecting our consideration of this district and other districts throughout the city.” The commission has deferred making a final decision until January 14, 2024, pending further information from church representatives, who were notably absent from the meeting.
The Nimmo United Methodist Church, established in 1791, boasts a rich history, including serving as a hospital during the Civil War. Its significant features, such as the iconic steeple added in 1893, have made it a focal point of local heritage. However, church officials have not recently submitted any proposals for alterations or repairs, creating additional uncertainty around the request.
City officials, including Councilwoman Barbara Henley, have expressed concerns about the strict standards enforced by the Historic Review Board. Henley noted, “Being in the (historic and cultural) district, they’re just required to meet the highest standard of historic preservation. That gets extensive. After a while, it just gets to be so costly you just can’t afford it.”
As the situation unfolds, the future of the Nimmo United Methodist Church and the integrity of Virginia Beach’s historic districts hang in the balance. The community eagerly awaits the January meeting, where further clarity on the church’s fate will be discussed.
For now, the church’s plea has ignited a conversation about the balance between preservation and practicality, a debate that resonates throughout many historic communities. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
