Church land: Portsmouth basks in places of worship

By Tim Eberly The Virginian-Pilot May 25, 2014

PORTSMOUTH

There's a church on every corner here.

Or so people say.

Is it true?

Well, not exactly. But it's not that far off. Portsmouth has more places of worship per capita than any other city in South Hampton Roads, according to a Virginian-Pilot analysis of tax assessor data.

That doesn't include sanctuaries that rent space in places that aren't tax-exempt. You'll find houses of prayer in majestic temples or in storefronts that were once 7-Elevens. The greatest concentration is in the heart of the city, including one that counts the father of a president as a former pastor.

"That tells you, if you want to go to heaven, move to Portsmouth," local historian Dean Burgess joked.

Or, Elizabeth Psimas mused, could it mean the city has more sinners?

Well, what do you think, councilwoman?

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Church land: Portsmouth basks in places of worship