Our History & Stained Glass
OUR HISTORY
Naomi Makemie Presbyterian Church has stood as a place of worship, fellowship, and service in Onancock, VA for well over a century.
The congregation traces its beginnings to 1883, when Rev. John G. Anderson received permission from the Presbytery of East Hanover to organize a Presbyterian church in Onancock. That summer, twelve charter members came together to establish what was then known as Onancock Presbyterian Church, beginning a legacy of faith that continues today.
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Soon after its founding, the young congregation purchased a church building on King Street and began laying the foundation for future growth. By 1893, members recognized the need for a permanent home and purchased property at the corner of Market and Lee Streets, where the present sanctuary would rise. In 1896, a large congregation gathered to dedicate the new church building to the glory of God, marking an important milestone in the life of the church.
As the congregation matured, so too did its identity. In 1903, the church adopted the name Naomi Makemie Presbyterian Church, honoring Naomi Anderson, beloved wife of Francis Makemie who is recognized as the father of American Presbyterianism. Through the decades that followed, the church continued to grow in both ministry and physical presence. A Moller pipe organ was installed in 1947, followed by the dedication of an Educational Building in 1956 and the construction of the church manse on Holly Street in 1962.
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Throughout its history, Naomi Makemie Presbyterian Church has consistently adapted to meet the needs of changing generations while preserving its traditions. Under the leadership of devoted pastors and members — including Rev. Plonk, the church’s longest-serving pastor (1974-1990) and the calling of its first woman pastor in 1991 — the congregation continued expanding its ministry and outreach.
The twenty-first century has brought significant restoration and renewal projects. Major completed improvements include rebuilding portions of the narthex, tower, and steeple; restoring all stained-glass windows; updating worship and educational spaces; and enhancing accessibility throughout the building. When lightning struck the steeple in 2008, causing a fire, the congregation responded with resilience, rebuilding quickly while continuing worship uninterrupted.
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Community has always remained at the heart of Naomi Makemie Presbyterian Church. In recent years, ecumenical Lenten programs, Vacation Bible School, youth ministry initiatives, and partnerships throughout the community have strengthened connections both within and beyond the congregation.
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During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the church embraced new technology to continue worship and fellowship. What began with simple recordings on smartphones evolved into livestreamed worship services and expanded digital ministry, allowing the church to remain connected regardless of distance.
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Today, Naomi Makemie Presbyterian Church continues to honor its rich heritage while looking toward the future. Ongoing restoration projects, investments in technology and accessibility, and the rebuilding of the church website in 2026 reflect the congregation’s enduring commitment to ministry, community, and faithful service for generations to come.
Our Stained Glass
Naomi Makemie Presbyterian Church is home to twenty stained glass windows of exceptional craftsmanship, eight of which are memorial windows. Two windows, originally placed beside the pulpit and now located at the rear of the sanctuary, honor Rev. Francis Makemie. Other memorial windows commemorate early church members and families whose legacy remains part of the congregation’s story.
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​More than a century later, seventeen of the original windows still grace the sanctuary and adjoining spaces. Over time, some windows were relocated due to the 1954 church addition, storm damage, and vandalism. Several removed windows were preserved, with portions now displayed in the tower foyer.
Crafted in Germany and purchased through a Baltimore importer, the windows likely arrived by boat through Onancock Harbor in the 1890s. Created during the height of the Victorian era’s appreciation for stained glass, they remain among the finest examples of ecclesiastical stained glass on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
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In 2005, recognizing the urgent need for preservation, the church undertook a complete restoration of the windows through professional conservation specialists. Today, they once again shine with much of the beauty and brilliance they displayed when first installed in 1896.
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The windows were designed to communicate Christian faith through color, symbolism, imagery, and biblical storytelling, reflecting the rich artistic traditions of late nineteenth-century Victorian Europe.
