Valdese in Burke County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Waldensian Heritage Museum

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 29, 2022

1. Waldensian Heritage Museum Marker

Inscription.

Waldensian Heritage Museum. . Liberty, Faith and Honor. The Waldenses, dating from at least the 12th century, were a persecuted people who survived plagues, exiles into barren lands and the edicts of rulers calling for their extinction. These faithful people wanted to read the Bible, preach its Gospel and live out its tenets. The Waldenses joined the Reformation in 1532 and suffered more persecution as Christians were killed or imprisoned. Eventually, they were exiled into the Swiss Alps. In 1689 a contingent of men began the battle back to their valleys in the “Glorious Return”. On February 17, 1848, the Edict of Emancipation gave them political and legal rights. Today their traditions live on in this community originally founded by 29 settlers on May 29, 1893. The Waldensian Presbyterian Church stands as a testament to their perseverance, a covenant of hope for all who are still to follow., Welcome to the Waldensian Heritage Museum. Come explore and learn as we retrace the lives of these followers of Christ in Europe to the setting in a new world where liberty and religious freedom were finally realized. See for yourself how their quest for liberty and their journey of faith has left behind a proud heritage of honor for all who follow in their footsteps even unto this day., [Captions (left to right] , . The Waldensian homeland lies in the Cottian Alps, near the French border southwest of Turin in northwestern Italy. , . The Waldensian Emblem. The Latin words “Lux Lucat in Tenebris” meaning “the light shineth in darkness” surround the lighted candle. , . Dedication of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church July 4, 1899, Valdese, North Carolina., [Box] The North Carolina mountains and foothills were designated the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in recognition of their natural beauty and living traditions of music, craft, agriculture, and Cherokee culture. This location is part of a regional trail of distinctive heritage sites. Ask for information at area visitor centers. More information online at: www.blueridgeheritage.com

Liberty, Faith and Honor. The Waldenses, dating from at least the 12th century, were a persecuted people who survived plagues, exiles into barren lands and the edicts of rulers calling for their extinction. These faithful people wanted to read the Bible, preach its Gospel and live out its tenets. The Waldenses joined the Reformation in 1532 and suffered more persecution as Christians were killed or imprisoned. Eventually, they were exiled into the Swiss Alps. In 1689 a contingent of men began the battle back to their valleys in the “Glorious Return”. On February 17, 1848, the Edict of Emancipation gave them political and legal rights. Today their traditions live on in this community originally founded by 29 settlers on May 29, 1893. The Waldensian Presbyterian Church stands as a testament to their perseverance, a covenant of hope for all who are still to follow.

Welcome to the Waldensian Heritage Museum. Come explore and learn as we retrace the lives of these followers of Christ in Europe to the setting in a new world where liberty and religious freedom were finally realized. See for yourself how their quest for liberty

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

and their journey of faith has left behind a proud heritage of honor for all who follow in their footsteps even unto this day.

[Captions (left to right]
• The Waldensian homeland lies in the Cottian Alps, near the French border southwest of Turin in northwestern Italy.
• The Waldensian Emblem. The Latin words “Lux Lucat in Tenebris” meaning “the light shineth in darkness” surround the lighted candle.
• Dedication of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church July 4, 1899, Valdese, North Carolina.

[Box] The North Carolina mountains and foothills were designated the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in recognition of their natural beauty and living traditions of music, craft, agriculture, and Cherokee culture. This location is part of a regional trail of distinctive heritage sites. Ask for information at area visitor centers. More information online at: www.blueridgeheritage.com

Erected by Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is February 17, 1848.

Location. 35° 44.566′ N, 81° 33.776′ W.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 29, 2022

2. Waldensian Heritage Museum Marker

Marker is in Valdese, North Carolina, in Burke County. It is at the intersection of Rodoret Street South and Janavel Avenue Southwest, on the right when traveling south on Rodoret Street South. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 208 Rodoret St S, Valdese NC 28690, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Waldensian Colony (within shouting distance of this marker); Waldenses (within shouting distance of this marker); Valdese Centennial Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); History of Bocce (about 400 feet away);

Waldensian Presbyterian Church image. Click for full size.

Upstateheard via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0), June 3, 2013

3. Waldensian Presbyterian Church

The Waldensians (about 400 feet away); James Madison (about 500 feet away); Benjamin Franklin (about 500 feet away); John Adams (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valdese.

Also see . . .
1. Our History. The Waldensian Church is the oldest evangelical church in existence, dating back at least to the 12th century and thus anticipating the Reformation by at least four hundred years. (Waldensian Presbyterian Church) (Submitted on November 14, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Waldensians. Wikipedia entry on the religious sect, who have practiced their faith for almost 1,000 years. (Submitted on November 14, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 399 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 14, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.