The Museum of the Middle Appalachians opened a new exhibit, “Faith of Our Fathers”, on January 30, 2010 in the Saltville Hall. The region is home to many old and beautiful churches. They reflect the character of our people and their strong faith. Area churches were asked to prepare a short exhibit telling the story of their place in the community.

Twenty seven churches responded with displays and memorabilia. Many include old photos showing how their buildings have changed to accommodate growing congregations. Others have been lost to development, declining populations, or tragic demise. Some were started in abandoned store buildings or houses and have grown to beautiful, well established places of worship.

The oldest church, the Primitive Baptist Church at St. Claire’s Bottom, in Chilhowie dates to the 1700s, The Union Church of Saltville had its beginnings in 1873 during the early days of the salt industry and served a number of denominations. From it came the Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Baptist, Christian, and Methodist Protestant congregations that moved throughout the area and eventually built their own meeting places.

The Plasterco Methodist Church, which sat on U.S. Gypsum property, was torn down and the congregation was absorbed by other area churches. The Henrytown Methodist Church was relocated by the Olin-Mathieson Company when its waste holding pond was extended. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was built in the late 1800’s as a place of worship for the British workers coming to start the Mathieson Alkali Works. The church now called Madam Russell Memorial United Methodist Church evolved from the Elizabeth Chapel of 1796 that was named for statesman Patrick Henry’s sister, Elizabeth. Freedom Baptist Church, in Poor Valley, began services in a small country store building. And so it goes, each with its own interesting story.

From the oldest church in the region to those newly formed, the history of the region’s faith is displayed in the Saltville Hall. The exhibit is free to the public. The Museum of the Middle Appalachians is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 pm. The Museum is a private, non-profit organization that is funded through donations, memberships, and volunteers. For more information, or to become a part of the Museum, you may call 276-496-3633 or go to the Museum Website www.museum-mid-app.org


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