Fields of the Wood facts for kids
Fields of the Wood is a unique Christian park. It covers more than 200 acres in Cherokee County, North Carolina. The park is owned by the Church of God of Prophecy. This church is a Christian group known as a Holiness Pentecostal denomination. Fields of the Wood is most famous for having the world's largest display of the Ten Commandments. This huge display is 300 feet wide across a mountainside.
Contents
History of Fields of the Wood
Fields of the Wood was created by A. J. Tomlinson. He lived from 1865 to 1943. Tomlinson was a key founder of several Christian groups. These groups are called the Church of God denominations. Many of them have their main offices in Cleveland, Tennessee.
In 1940, Tomlinson was the leader of the Church of God of Prophecy. He came back to this area to honor a special place. He believed God had shown him the "true church" here in 1903. He also noticed that in the same year, the Wright Brothers made their first successful flight. This happened far away in eastern North Carolina. Tomlinson felt that a chapter in the Book of Isaiah had predicted both events.
Tomlinson named the park "Fields of the Wood." This name comes from a verse in the King James Version of Psalms 132:6. It says, "We found it in the fields of the wood." In 1941, Tomlinson officially opened the site. He gave a sermon, and airplanes dropped gospel tracts. This was to fulfill a Bible verse from Deuteronomy 32:2. It says, "May my teaching drop as the rain."
Some temporary markers were put up in 1940. But most of the park's buildings were made after 1943. This work was led by Tomlinson's son, M. A. Tomlinson. Other leaders of the Church of God of Prophecy also helped.
What to See at Fields of the Wood
Fields of the Wood has many interesting markers and monuments. Some are important to all Christians. Others are special to members of the Church of God of Prophecy.
Main Attractions to Explore
- Three Crosses and Garden Tomb: You can see models of the three crosses from Golgotha. There is also a representation of The Garden Tomb.
- Baptismal Pool: The park has a special pool used for baptism.
- Prayer Mountain: This area features 29 monuments. Each one has a quote from the Bible. There are also four markers that tell the history of the Church of God of Prophecy. At the very top, there is a "Prayed and Prevailed" marker. Visitors often leave written prayers here.
- Ten Commandments Display: On Burger Mountain, you will find the giant Ten Commandments. The letters are 5 feet high and 4 feet wide. They are bordered by 1-foot concrete sections. The whole display is 300 feet wide.
- All Nations Cross: At the top of Burger Mountain, there is a large concrete cross. It is outlined on the ground. Around it are 86 flag poles. These poles fly flags from countries where the Church of God of Prophecy has ministries. When it was built, this was the largest Christian cross in the world.
Visitor Facilities
Three short hiking trails lead down from the mountain. At the bottom, you will find restrooms and picnic tables. There is also a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. A café is available for food and drinks. The site does not have a campground or a large place for big church meetings.
Nearby Historical Sites
About half a mile from the park are other important sites. These places have historical meaning for the Church of God. One site is the house where the first General Assembly met in 1906. Another marks the location of the Holiness Church at Camp Creek. This church was a very early part of the Church of God.
Awards and Recognition
Fields of the Wood is a popular place to visit. In 2023, readers of Cherokee Scout newspaper voted it the best attraction in Cherokee County.
