What Is Theological Geography?
One definition of theological geography is “the connection between religion, geography, and human experience.” Through the work of the Thriving Congregations team, members of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (WPC) have begun exploring what this means for our church’s mission and presence in the community.
Upcoming Event: Exploring the Bray School Legacy
On June 7, WPC will host a special program featuring the Bray School’s oral historian Tonia Merideth and genealogist Elizabeth Drembus. They will share the stories of the students who attended the Bray School and their descendants. This historic institution is the oldest surviving building in America dedicated to the religious education of free and enslaved Blacks during the colonial period. The Bray School operated in Williamsburg from 1760 to 1774, just a block from the current location of WPC.Dale Trowbridge’s Role in Restoring the Bray School
While Dale Trowbridge won’t be present for the June 7 program due to his weekend commitments with Trowbridge & Associates, his contributions to the Bray School’s restoration are vital and deserve recognition.
Dale, who has served as Construction Manager at Colonial Williamsburg (CW) since 2012, is currently involved in 24 active projects. He works closely with CW’s Building Trades, Historic Trades, Historic Preservation team, and contractors to make historic preservation a reality.
At the Bray School, Dale recently spent a morning operating a forklift and shoveling dirt for the outdoor privy’s foundation. “I try to lead by example,” Dale explained—highlighting his hands-on leadership style.
After the school was rediscovered on Prince George Street, Dale coordinated the building’s relocation to its new site at Nassau and Francis Streets. He worked with preservationists to strip away modern additions, stabilize the structure, and prepare it for the physical move.
The complexity of the project was remarkable—combining delicate 18th-century conservation with large-scale logistics. On February 10, 2023, the building was successfully moved. And on June 19, 2025, after four years of work, the Bray School will officially open to the public.
“All preservation projects are enjoyable. Restoring the Bray School has been especially meaningful—to see it brought back to life,” Dale said. Though his schedule doesn’t always allow him to reflect on each detail, he quietly takes pride in his essential role.
A Career Rooted in Craftsmanship
Born in Cincinnati, Dale’s love for carpentry began at age 15 while working at summer camps in Wisconsin. A master carpenter in Long Island became one of his key mentors. Drawn to Williamsburg’s living history, Dale and his family moved here in 1993.
He began at CW as a part-time performer and tour guide, while also working construction by day. “I helped build the bridges on Route 199 in Lightfoot,” Dale recalls with a smile. He joined CW’s full-time carpentry and millwork team in 2002, and was promoted to Construction Manager in 2012.
Family and Community
Dale’s wife, Chris, a former CW masonry supervisor, now runs her own business and teaches. The Trowbridges’ five children have all shared in their father’s passion for craftsmanship:
- Justin – Civil engineer in San Diego
- Adam – Director of Safety at Colonial Webb, lives in New Kent
- Caleb – Senior Superintendent with Shockey Construction in Front Royal
- Abigail – Junior at Christopher Newport University, majoring in social work and leadership
- Quentin – Senior at Lafayette High School, weekend carpenter and theater set designer
All the children worked alongside Dale growing up. Dale’s parents, now in Kentucky, continue to participate in WPC life by listening to services online.
Dale at WPC
Introduced to WPC by members Bill and Sandy Barner, Dale and Chris quickly became active in church life. Dale taught Sunday School with Diane Schwarz and helped lead youth programs alongside Chris. He’s served two terms on Session and remains a longtime member of the Facilities Committee.
It’s also thanks to Dale that WPC Facilities Manager Elbert Fleming joined the staff—the two worked together in the 1990s restoring Richmond’s canal system.
Lasting Impact
Dale’s work has quite literally shaped the spaces where WPC members gather, play, and worship. His name is on the church’s emergency contact list. When you see the new church roof, admire the playground, or pass by the restored Coffee House, the Powder Magazine, or the First Baptist Church—think of Dale. His fingerprints are everywhere, from the canal bridge at the Governor’s Palace to the fences on Duke of Gloucester Street.
We are deeply grateful.
–Sarah Houghland, Joseph Kinard, Sallie McLain, Diane Schwarz, and CW Stacks
Thriving Congregations Committee
