Augusta Stone Church facts for kids
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Augusta Stone Church
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. 11, Fort Defiance, Virginia |
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| Area | 30 acres (12 ha) |
| Built | 1749 |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001994 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 9, 1973 |
Augusta Stone Church is a very old Presbyterian church in Augusta County, Virginia, USA. It is located in a small community called Fort Defiance. This church was one of two meeting places started in 1740.
The Augusta Stone Church and its sister church, Tinkling Spring, were both served by a minister named Rev. John Craig. The stone building you see today was finished in 1749. It is still used for worship, making it the oldest Presbyterian church in Virginia that has been used continuously!
Contents
History of Augusta Stone Church
How the Church Started
The church community began in 1740 with Rev. John Craig. At first, they built a simple log meeting house. This was about a quarter-mile from where the stone church stands now.
The idea for the stone church was more than just a place to worship. It was also meant to be a fort. This fort would help protect people from attacks by Native American groups. Building the stone church started in 1747 and took two years to finish.
Fun Facts and Growth
There's an old story about a "secret passageway" in the minister's office. People say it was for wartime. But no one at the church has ever seen it, and there are no records about it.
In the early 1800s, the small area around the church became known as Fort Defiance. The stone church has been used non-stop since 1749. This makes it the oldest Presbyterian church in Virginia that has always been in use.
Over the years, the church has grown. Two big additions were made to the back of the church. In 1921-22, new rooms and offices were added. A large social hall, called "John Craig Hall," and a kitchen were finished in 1956.
Church Museum and Cemeteries
The church also has a museum on its property. It's in the old Session House, which is to the right of the main church building. The museum has old items from the church's early days.
There are two cemeteries at the church. Many soldiers from the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War are buried there. The museum also keeps important baptism records from Rev. John Craig, dating from 1740 to 1749.
Where is Augusta Stone Church?
Augusta Stone Church is located right on U.S. Route 11. This road is also known as the Lee Highway. The church is next to Fort Defiance High, Clymore Elementary, and Stuart Gordon Middle schools.
It's in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. The church is about eight miles north of Staunton and 15 miles south of Harrisonburg. It's in the small community of Fort Defiance, Virginia.
See also
Images for kids
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Augusta Stone Church
