Christ Episcopal Church (Big Stone Gap, Virginia)
Designed by T. Buckler Chequior of Baltimore, construction of the building began in March 1892 at a cost of $2300. The church was consecrated on May 7, 1892. Red barn paint was donated by J. K. Taggart, whose family still supplies the distinctive red color.
The altar was donated by the Nelson family from a mid-nineteenth century church in Restburg, VA. In 1915, the choir room in the southwest corner was added for $91. The second room was added in 1917. In 1942, the sanctuary and porch were enlarged, and the Parish Hall was built in 1964.
In 1987, the prayer rails were made from the original altar rails by J. Phelps Walker of Richmond, VA, father of Paxton Allgyer and given in memory of her mother, Josephine K. Walker. The chairs at the altar were given in memory of Margaret and Randolph Parker by their daughter, Emily Kendig of Richmond, VA. The vigil candles were given by Joan Short in memory of her parents, Abner and Madeline Boyd and in honor of the Canon 9 ministry of Rev. Ray Moore. The antique-cabinet above the vigil candles is from a British Anglican church and was donated by Pat Miller and Bill Miller of Abingdon. The Aumbry was donated by the Rev. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Wheless, Jr.
Designated a Virginia Historic Landmark on April 18, 1989, Christ Church was subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
- ^ "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
- ^ Gibson Worsham (February 1989). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Christ Episcopal Church" (PDF). Virginia Department of Historic Resources. and Accompanying photo
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