Constructed in 1859, this church was used as a military barracks for Union troops during the Federal occupation of Fernandina and later as a primary school operated by the Freedmen's Bureau for teaching freed slaves. It is reported that Union troops planned to confiscate the church bell to melt it down for armaments, but that a Union officer, Major W.B.C. Duryee, intervened and prevented its dismantling.

www.1stpres-fb.com/history.htm

Information Provided by the Florida Department of State.