Patrick Henry’s Rousing “Give Me Liberty” Speech Stirs Fall Court

Stephen Wilson, executive director of the St. John’s Church Foundation, was the featured presenter at the Society of Colonial Wars in the Commonwealth of Virginia Fall Court, held October 17 at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.

“In addition to his observations on the historic significance of the landmark Church Hill sanctuary, Wilson brought alive for attendees the magnificent and stirring Patrick Henry speech from the Second Virginia Convention,” Governor Blair H. Nelsen reported.

Wilson delivered Henry’s historically significant “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” oration from the Second Virginia Convention held in the sanctuary of St. John’s on March 23, 1775. This memorable call to action came a mere three weeks prior to the Battle of Lexington in Middlesex County of the province of Massachusetts, the terminal date of the Colonial period recognized by the Society. Henry’s sentiment helped sway the delegates to authorize a Virginia Militia and made Henry a cultural icon in the early battle for independence from the English Crown.

Wilson said he “very much enjoyed engaging with the group and performing Patrick Henry’s ‘Give me liberty or give me death!’ speech.” He asserted that St. John’s was grateful for the Society’s support and for the efforts “to preserve Virginia’s rich history.”

Wilson has been at St. John’s Church Foundation since 2019. He served for two years as the organization’s first Director of Development and was named Executive Director in 2021. He holds degrees from the University of Mary Washington and Richard Bland College of William and Mary, and he holds a certificate in Sustainable Urban Agriculture from Virginia State University. The Foundation missions are education and historic preservation.