Stained Glass Windows at St. Paul's

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, has a long history for a church in the foothills. Founded in 1836, it wasn't until the late 1840's that the beautiful Gothic brick building was erected. The same man, Dameron, also designed the Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church, but they look nothing alike. The Presbyterian church is Greek Revival in style, with huge white columns. In my second, soon-to-be-released novel, SOWN IN DARK SOIL, both churches play a role. There will be other blogs coming about that.

Students from the seminary at Valle Crucis in Watauga County walked 54 miles down the mountain for the dedication. Rev. William R. Giles served as the first clergyman. He was a Pennsylvania native, but he had trained at Valle Crucis. However, he only stayed three years, until he returned to his home in the North, perhaps because Civil War issues were already heating up. Rev. Barber, a native of Rowan County, also schooled in Valle Crucis, took his place and remained for 45 years.

St. Paul's stained glass windows are as pretty as I've ever seen, and I've been in cathedrals all around the world. They're in the older building and the newer addition, built as the congregation grew. Perhaps the modest-sized church makes them stand out. These windows replaced the plain ones in the 1970's and 80's, and some of them were given as donations. Most of them are high up, and it was hard to get a good direct photo. Although my pictures don't do them justice, perhaps you can get some idea of how magnificent they are. Or, better yet, if you're ever in the area, go by and see them for yourself.

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