[6] The demolition of the original church building was an act which brought accusations of "a true lack of American veneration for old things" from Harpers Weekly.

[1] Its large interior and prominent location in Richmond made it a sought after venue for events such as concerts and political rallies.

[12] While the government of the Confederate States of America was based in Richmond during the American Civil War, the church was often used for speeches by politicians including Governor William Smith and President Jefferson Davis.

[13] In 1865 Horace Greely, abolitionist publisher of the New York Tribune spoke at the church regarding the post-Civil War Reconstruction.

[2] Though the majority of the members were slaves in the years before the Civil War, most of the early leaders were freedmen due to greater liberties that they possessed.

[15] Though Virginia state law did not permit slaves to marry, the church would hold wedding ceremonies for its members.

This practice caused some controversy, but Ryland defended himself by citing the fact that his lessons emphasized submission to authority.

[17] His practice of educating slaves was initially controversial, in part due to a high-profile murder committed by a member of the congregation.

Richmond's white churches eventually defused the situation by coming out in support of Ryland's educational programs.

[19] Some members were also allowed to occasionally preach from the pews, and some of the lay preachers were purchased from their owners and emancipated with funds raised by the church.

[6] The first Black man to serve as senior minister was James Holmes, a longtime deacon who was born a slave.