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 |
The Augusta Stone Church is a historic Presbyterian church located in Fort Defiance, Virginia. It is found in Augusta County, Virginia, in the United States.
This church was one of the first two meeting places started by a group called The Congregation of the Triple Forks of the Shenandoah in 1740. Both Augusta Stone and its sister church, Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, were led by Reverend John Craig. The stone building you see today was finished in 1749. It is still used for services, making it the oldest Presbyterian church in Virginia that has been used continuously.
Contents
A Look Back: Church History
The church community began in 1740, led by Reverend John Craig. At first, a simple log meeting house was built about a quarter-mile from where the stone church stands now.
Building the Stone Church
The stone church was designed to be both a place of worship and a strong fort. It was meant to protect people from attacks by Native American tribes. Construction started in 1747, and the building was officially opened on January 22, 1749.
There's an old story about a "secret passageway" in the minister's office. People said it was for use during wartime. However, no one at the church has ever seen this secret passage, and there are no records about it.
Continuous Use and Growth
The stone church has been used without stopping since 1749. This makes it the oldest Presbyterian church in Virginia that has been in continuous use. In the early 1800s, the small area around the church became known as Fort Defiance.
Over the years, the church building has grown. Two main additions were made to the back of the church. In 1921-1922, new sections were added to the main worship area, along with a wing of rooms and offices. Later, in 1956, a large social hall called "John Craig Hall" and a kitchen were completed.
Church Museum and Cemeteries
The church also has a museum on its property. It is located in the old Session House, which is to the right of the main church building in the photo. This museum holds many old items from the church's early days.
The two cemeteries at the church are important historical sites. They contain the graves of soldiers who fought in both the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War. The museum also keeps the baptism records from Reverend John Craig, dating from 1740 to 1749.
Finding the Church: Location
Augusta Stone Church is located on U.S. Route 11, which is also known as the Lee Highway. It is right next to Fort Defiance High School, Clymore Elementary School, and Stuart Gordon Middle School. The church is in the Shenandoah Valley.
It is about eight miles north of Staunton, Virginia and 15 miles south of Harrisonburg, Virginia. The church is in the small community of Fort Defiance, Virginia.
See also
