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Old St. John's Church, Rickmond, Virginia
"I am The Way, nd The Truth, ane
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OLD ST. JOHN'S CHURCH—In 1775 a convention was
held in this historic church to deliberate upon the oppressive 11478
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 colonv
in revolution, when he exclaimed with fiery eloquence, “Is
life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the
price of slavery? Forbid it, 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.
THE RICHMOND NEWS COMPANY
"COLOUR PICTURE PUBLICATION, BOSTON 15. MASS., U.S.A
