Marion in McDowell County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
St. John's Episcopal Church
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 3, 2024
1. St. John's Episcopal Church Marker
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
1883
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 35° 40.821′ N, 82° 0.411′ W. Marker is in Marion, North Carolina, in McDowell County. It is at the intersection of Spring Street and South Main Street (North Carolina Route 226), on the right when traveling east on Spring Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 289 S Main St, Marion NC 28752, 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
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sesquicentennial Testament (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); McDowell County War Memorial (approx. Ό mile away); McDowell County Courthouse (approx. Ό mile away); M/Sgt. Shufford Cline Rowe (approx. Ό mile away); The Charters of Freedom (approx. Ό mile away); Daniel Kanipe (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marion.
Regarding St. John's Episcopal Church. Excerpts from the National Register nomination:
St. John's Episcopal Church, built in 1883-1884, is significant for being one of the most intact examples of a vernacular Carpenter Gothic church in western North Carolina which has retained many of the elements of its original style while at the same time incorporating a later, more elaborate Queen Anne tower. The church's first rector, Reverend Charles Theodore Bland, was a skilledcarpenter and was responsible for most of the work on the building. He worked closely with another local carpenter, William Dellinger, in executing many of the building's outstanding details.Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 3, 20242. St. John's Episcopal Church Marker
Reverend Bland raised much of the money to build the church, but dedicated much of his own time in the construction of the building as well. He also built much of the furniture in the building. The cornerstone of the building was laid April 19, 1883. The church was first used on Thanksgiving Day, 1883, but was not fully completed until 1884. Reverend Bland was 63 years old when he began serving Marion in 1881. He died, at the age of 91 in 1909, after having served the church for ten years (1881-1891). The building was consecrated as St. John's Episcopal Church on May 17, 1891.
Also see . . .
1. St. John's Episcopal Church (PDF). National Register nomination for the church, which was listed in 1991. (Prepared by Sybil Argintar Bowers; via North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office) (Submitted on February 5, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Our History. The St. Johns Episcopal Church,
courtesy St. John's Episcopal Church (Public Domain), circa 1885
3. St. John's Episcopal Church
The church as it first appeared. The current bell tower replaced the original one in 1903, and the church building was extended 17 feet toward Main Street in 1949.
via Calvary Episcopal Church (Wadesboro, NC) (Public Domain)
4. Rev. Charles Theodore Bland (1819-1907)
A South Carolina native, he was ordained in 1850. During his 55-year ministerial career, he helped organize and build Episcopal churches in several western North Carolina communities, including Old Fort, Pittsboro, Sanford and Wadesboro.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 288 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 5, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
