Behind the Scenes Tour
July 11, 2025
6:00 PM
History Where it Happened.
Go Behind the Scenes
with Executive Director Stephen Wilson
$25
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Want to experience St. John's Church like never before? You're in luck! Join us for our first behind the scenes tour led by St. John's Church Foundation Executive Director Stephen Wilson.
The group will meet for wine (or beer) in the St. John's churchyard, the oldest public cemetery in the City of Richmond. Stephen will lead a sit down conversation about the history of the churchyard and some of the notable Richmonders buried there.
The group will then move into St. John's Church, the oldest church in the City of Richmond and site of Patrick Henry's iconic "Give me liberty or give me death!" speech. Stephen will enact the speech, and someone in the group will be selected to portray Peyton Randolph, president of the Second Virginia Convention.
The fun doesn't stop there. The group will then visit the St. John's bell tower, and someone in the group will have an opportunity to ring the 1850 Meneely bell. The group will then go underneath the church to visit the graves under the 1905 south addition, and they'll see the 1800's Diebold safe (yes, there is a safe under the church!). We'll wrap up our evening with a visit to the actor's studio where the group will have a chance to try on 1700's wigs.
This will be an educational and fun filled evening that is limited to 10 guests, so reserve your space now. Did we mention that wine is included?
House Rules for Historic St. John’s Church
We encourage masks but they are no longer required.
Seating is first come, first served. Tickets are required.
There is no food, drink, gum, candy, strollers, backpacks or firearms permitted inside the church.
Bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 are prohibited inside the church. Any and all bags are subject to inspection. Please leave backpacks and bags inside your vehicle as we have no place to store them.