The Suffolk Chapter of National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century will have a dedication ceremony of a historic marker at Glebe Episcopal Church on April 15.

“What the church offers in modern times is a look back into the history of our country and the founding of the area,” said Colonial Dames Suffolk Chapter President Sylvia Ryder. “They still have services, and it is a part of the community.”

Glebe Church in Suffolk came into existence in 1725 because the lower and Chuckatuck parishes had to be united. This was established as a part of the Anglican Church.

The National Society Colonial Dames VXII Century is a group that is based in a mutual interest in American history. The group’s purpose is to “perpetuate the memory of the colonists and their lasting legacy of virtue, courage and patriotism,” according to its website.

The historical marker is set at Glebe Church because of its involvement in America’s revolt against the crown, and historian Stephanie Walker believes that the history that took place at the church was a turning point in the revolution.

John Agnew was the appointed rector of the church and, through his sermons, spoke against the rebellion happening in the country in 1754. His views on the rebellion didn’t match those of the old Nansemond County, and he was dismissed during an impromptu sermon.

Agnew wasn’t physically thrown out of the church, but he was told to leave by Maj. William Cowper, and he obliged. After the incident, a safety committee in the county called for public censure of Agnew in an article of the Virginia Gazette.

The history of Glebe Church has been commemorated by others in the state.

Then-Gov. Mills E. Godwin Jr. dedicated a commemorative plaque in 1974, during a special service recognizing and honoring the patriotism of Cowper. The plaque is still displayed in the church today. Thirty of Cowper’s descendants from all parts of the country were present.

The original structure is no longer there, but a new building stands on the same land. The new building was put there in 2003, because the parish hall was deemed too small to accommodate the community.

Glebe Church will have future projects to improve the property. Some of the projects include clearing and restoring graves in the church yard. The church also wants its land to be linked to the Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail, which runs parallel to the church’s property.