Clarksburg in Harrison County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Christ Episcopal Church
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 17, 2024
1. Christ Episcopal Church Marker
Built in 1853 on land donated by Burton Despard and modeled after a church near Dublin, Ireland, that he attended as a child. The Reverend R. A. Castleman arrived as a deacon in 1853 and supervised the construction of the sanctuary. Black walnut from Despard's land was used for everything from the structural beams to the interior woodwork. During the Civil War, Christ Church was appropriated as a garrison for Federal troops and sustained some damage. Originally, a small slave balcony was located at the rear of the church, accessible by a ladder. It later served as the choir and was removed in 1893. The church is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows, including one known Tiffany. Over the years, Christ Church was responsible for the founding of other Episcopal churches in the area. It is the oldest church in Harrison County to serve the denomination for which it was founded.
Erected by The Clarksburg History Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 39° 16.815′ N, 80° 20.573′ W. Marker is in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in Harrison County. It is at the intersection of West Main
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Little Kanawha Valley. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nathan Goff, Jr. House (a few steps from this marker); Callery Pear (a few steps from this marker); Clarksburg Baptist Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1795 Spanish Cannon (about 500 feet away); Ritz Theatre (about 600 feet away); Moore Opera House / Orpheum Theater (about 600 feet away); Empire National Bank (about 600 feet away); Stonewall Jackson Birthplace (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clarksburg.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 17, 2024
2. Christ Episcopal Church and Marker
Marker is located at the far right.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 216 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 18, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
