The ecclesiastical history of colonial Virginia, impacted by ongoing political and economic strife, had a profound influence on the development of the United States. Surviving religious and political persecutions imposed on them by the Church of England, religious dissenters played a significant role in shaping the history of Virginia.
These narratives, primarily based on less well-known religious leaders, highlight their efforts to reform and revitalize society. Accounts of these religious pioneers include: Abraham Salle, Alexander Joyce, David Barrow, John Dickins, Sarah Winston Syme Henry, and Thomas Smith. Without their efforts to promote religious tolerance, establish their denominations on the frontier, and challenge the norms of their commonly-accepted culture, Virginia would have turned out very differently.
An index to full-names, places and subjects adds to the value of this work.