St. Philip's Episcopal Church (Germanton, North Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Philips Episcopal Church
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | Building was removed by episcopal church |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1894 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 82003516 |
| Added to NRHP | July 15, 1982 |
St. Philips Episcopal Church was a historic church building. It was located in Germanton, North Carolina, in Stokes County, North Carolina. This church was built in 1890. It was officially opened for worship in 1894. The building was known for its unique Gothic Revival architecture style. This style often includes pointed arches and tall windows, like old European churches.
The church was made of wood, using a style called board-and-batten. It also had a two-part tower with a bell section. In 1982, St. Philips Episcopal Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important places in the United States that are worth preserving.
A Special Building
St. Philips Episcopal Church was a beautiful example of Gothic Revival style. This type of architecture was popular in the 1800s. It often made buildings look grand and historic. The church had a tall, pointed tower. This tower held a belfry, which is where a bell would be.
The church was built to be a place of worship. It served the local community for many years. Being on the National Register of Historic Places meant it was recognized as a valuable part of history.
Why the Church Moved
For many years, starting in the early 1980s, the church did not have a regular group of people attending services. Only one or two services were held each year. These services often took place around Thanksgiving or for other special events. Money for the church's upkeep came from donations. These donations were managed by a group from the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina.
Over time, the people who helped care for the church moved away. No new leaders stepped forward to take their place. Because of this, the group that looked after the church was no longer active. The diocese decided that moving the building was the best way to save it. They wanted the church to continue being used for its original purpose: worship.
New Home in Chapel Hill
In 2012, news reports shared that the church would be moved. It was going to travel about 80 miles to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The plan was for the building to become the new home for the Episcopal Church of the Advocate. The leader of the Episcopal Diocese, Bishop Michael Curry, explained the decision. He said that the church building was made for prayer and worship. He believed that keeping it as a place of worship was the best way to honor its history.
Some people in Stokes and Forsyth Counties wanted to keep the church in Germanton. They formed a group called the Friends of St. Philips Church of Germanton. This group hoped to find a way for the church to stay in its original location. They wanted it to continue as a place for worship and arts events. Another group also formed, hoping to use the church for weekly services. However, they were not able to get permission to use the building. The church was moved from Germanton in the fall of 2012.
