Maiden in Catawba County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Freedom to Worship

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 3, 2024

1. Freedom to Worship Marker

Inscription. Built in 1834, two congregations shared the log-built Haas Church: Reformed Presbyterian and Lutheran. These different faiths shared a worship space because building materials were costly and families couldn't afford time away from their farms. Seasonally, the community likely also used the structure as a school.

Catawba County's “founding father” Nathaniel Wilson led the process to separate from Lincoln County in 1842 because the physical distance to the (then) County Seat of Lincolnton skewed fair representation in local government. He rests here.

In the years following the Civil War, the Lutheran congregation left Haas Church to establish St. James Church just down the road. Other congregants joined Grace Church or St. Paul's and still others moved farther west. By 1894 the building collapsed after years of neglect. Physical evidence suggests it stood on the knoll in front of you.

“to be used to … encourage the building of [al house of public worship, that the Gospel might be preached by all and every minister of every denomination” – Deed, George Haas to David Haas & George Ward, Lincoln County Deed Book 35, Page 294, 1834

Erected 2018 by Andrew Wade, Boy Scout Troop 322.

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these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.

Location. 35° 37.518′ N, 81° 12.379′ W. Marker is in Maiden, North Carolina, in Catawba County. Marker can be reached from Greenway Avenue north of Windy Holly Lane when traveling north. At the end of Greenway Avenue, follow the dirt road through the field to the Old Haas Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newton NC 28658, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Revolution at Home (here, next to this marker); Laid to Rest (here, next to this marker); Patriot Isaac Wise (within shouting distance of this marker); Catawba College (approx. 1.9 miles away); Central High School (approx. 2.1 miles away); Hoke Smith (approx. 2.4 miles away); Old Court House Well (approx. 2.7 miles away); Rutherford's March Tribute (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Maiden.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 3, 2024

2. Freedom to Worship Marker

Featured marker is on the far left.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 37 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.