Rich Valley, Virginia facts for kids

Rich Valley is a quiet countryside area located in Smyth County, Virginia, United States. It's close to the town of Saltville. This peaceful area is known for its beautiful scenery and a historic church.

Rich Valley Presbyterian Church

The Rich Valley Presbyterian Church is a small, historic church that stands out in the countryside. It has a long and interesting history, going back many years.

Church History

The church started a long time ago, in 1836. Back then, it was called Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. A pastor named Rev. Alexander McCluer helped to get it started. The first two leaders of the church were Matthew Buchanan and John Buchanan.

Early Buildings

The very first church building was made from logs. It was located near where the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church stands today. Later, in 1848, land was set aside for a new church building. The current church building was built in 1858. The bricks used to build it were special because they were made right there from local clay! Local workers fired the bricks in a kiln nearby. A house for the pastor, called a manse, was also built around the same time.

Changing Names

When the new church building was finished, it was first named Pleasant Grove. This name might have been chosen because of all the beautiful oak trees that still grow there today. In 1871, the church's name was officially changed to Rich Valley Presbyterian Church. Over the years, this church also helped to start two other churches nearby: Locust Cove and Chatham Hill Churches.

Modern Updates

The church building has been updated several times over the years. Around the early 1900s, it was remodeled. The pews, which are the long benches where people sit, were bought in 1905. A new manse (pastor's house) was built around 1924. In the early 1960s, more additions were made, including Sunday School rooms, a kitchen, and a fellowship hall. These new parts were officially opened on September 2, 1962.

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  Front view of Rich Valley Presbyterian Church

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  Rich Valley Presbyterian Church - Date Posted to Right of Door

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  View of Valley with Church in distance

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  Rich Valley Cemetery Plot