By Ruth A. Ringelstetter
Photos in this blog post can be purchased as wall art, paper prints, downloads, phone cases, and keepsakes. Just click on the desired photo and look for the blue “BUY” button.
It was the third morning of our 2010 trip to North Carolina, but our first morning there in the mountains. It was raining heavily that morning as we arrived at our first stop -- the historic Mast General Store.
As soon as we finished at the store, we moved on. Our next stop was the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church and Cemetery. It was still raining a little when we arrived at the church, but at least it wasn’t pouring.
The little frame church, built in the Gothic style, with simple stained glass windows was completed in 1860. William West Skiles, who was a deacon, was the driving force behind the building of the church. The church was completed for a cost of $700, including $40 paid for the stained glass windows, shipped in from New York.
The church was consecrated two years later in August of 1862. This celebration was the last time William Skiles would see his beloved church as his health was failing and he died two short months later. He was buried in the churchyard.
In 1882, the church was removed in sections to a spot higher up on the Watauga River, and put together again. This is the spot where the church stands today. In 1889, the remains of Reverend Skiles were removed from the old site and moved to the new church and cemetery location.
Even though it was a rainy morning, we knew this could be our only visit to this church, so Joann made her way around the church photographing as she went. Behind the church, and unseen from the road, stands an old outhouse.
From the cemetery, you can look off into the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. The cemetery is small, but it is one of the oldest in the area.
The church went through several decades of neglect before it was totally restored and now is used for a Sunday mass from Memorial Day to Labor Day, as well as being a wedding venue. Summer concerts are also held in the church with a picnic supper afterwards.
Just across the road from the church was an old gambrel-roof barn. There didn’t appear to be any other remnants of a farm, and we just couldn’t resist taking some photos before moving on down the road.
If you get to the Valle Crucis area, be sure to do some backroads exploring. It would be well worth your time!
Happy Shunpiking!
Ruth
Photos in this blog post can be purchased as wall art, paper prints, downloads, phone cases, and keepsakes by clicking on the photo. You will be taken to the gallery website where you will see a big blue "BUY" button. Or to see all photos available, click on the "Browse Galleries" button on the menu at the top of this page. Thank you for your interest!
Fitting post to read on a rainy spring afternoon! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove the history of the church! :)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting story and beautiful photos, Ruth and Joann.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jean, Stephanie, and Phyllis. We love these little country churches. They always have such humble and interesting beginnings.
ReplyDelete