Chilhowie Methodist Church- Chilhowie, Virginia - This Old Church on Waymarking.com

The Construction of the Church...

In 1893, a lot had been obtained on Old Stage Road and preparation for the move began...

Residents of those times remembered that the building was literally moved, leaving only some of the foundation stones of the old brick church. The brick of the old building was used under the brick of the new structure. The walnut balcony railing of the old church is now the railing of the altar in the sanctuary. We are told that some of the wainscoting in the sanctuary was from the Sulphur Spring Church. One of a pair of marble topped flower stands believed to have been from the old church is in use in the vestibule.

Brick for the town church was pressed in the brick plant in Chilhowie and was intended for the Norfolk and Western Railroad Station in Lynchburg, Virginia. The builders there were not pleased with the color of the brick and it was rejected. The brick company then offered the golden brown brick to the church on the condition that the plant workers donate their labor. The offer was accepted and work on the church began in 1893.

The original church building consisted of only the present vestibule and sanctuary. The source of the cruciform plan, Late Gothic Revival style is unknown. However, considering the interest shown by the local brick plant, it is reasonable to speculate that the superintendent, Mr. E.J. Rutland, a native of Sheerness, England influenced the plan which was prominent in England at that time. Mr. Rutland designed his own unusual residence with mansard roof which was built in 1892 and still stands near the church on Old Stage Road. The builder most likely in charge of the construction was Mr. Richard Bennet, a skilled craftsman of the time whose parents are listed on the early Sulphur Springs Church roll.

Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1894 Age of Church building determined by?: Cornerstone or plaque If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Methodist If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 11:00 AM Street address of Church: 501 Old Stage Road Chilhowie, Va USA 24319 Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: Not listed

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