19th-century deeds surface in church dispute

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/16/19th-century-deeds-surface-in-church-dispute/

[The Washington Times] 16 Oct 2008--The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and a group of 11 conservative breakaway congregations wrangled yesterday over ownership of the historic Falls Church, a 276-year-old congregation that until two years ago was one of the crown jewels of the denomination.

During the trial at the Fairfax County Courthouse, witnesses said the Northern Virginia church near the intersection of Lee Highway and Leesburg Pike has been overseen by its own trustees since 1746, when John Trammell, a local landowner, deeded 2 acres to build a church.

A group of Colonists, including George Washington's father, had been meeting since about 1732 at the spot that today has several brick buildings - one dating from 1769 - and a historic graveyard.