Shorter’s Chapel AME Church Historic Marker dedicated

Pictured:  (left to right) David Scott (Northampton Historic Preservation Society), Annie Hess, Gerald Boyd (The Impact Center and Samuel D. Outlaw Museum), County Supervisor Dixon Leatherbury, Mandy Giddens, Reverend Douglas Strand, and Cara Burton (Northampton250).

Shorter’s Chapel A.M.E. Church held a dedication ceremony on September 25, 2025 for the new Northampton County historical marker placed at the church.

The marker reads:  “Shorter’s Chapel:  A.M.E. church worship began circ 1886 by Rev. John Offer in the Freedmen’s Bureau Bridgetown School.  Church additions added 1883-1886.”  The sign, located by the road at 10228 Bayside Rd in Bridgetown, was sponsored by the Northampton County Tourism Fund.  The application for the sign was researched and written by Mandy Giddens and Annie Hess.

The ceremony included a marker blessing, hymns, and messages about the Northampton Virginia250 projects, the chapel history, and the Bridgetown connection.  The event was followed by a bountiful repast cooked by Mandy Giddens and Mandiwa Williamson.  Individuals and organizations can find historical marker application information on the Northampton County website.